This wouldn't work if he didn't have support. Achilles knew that without an army, without leadership, then one fell flat. He used to think he could do everything himself (and he still did to a degree), but he had learned over time and years of being a soldier in another man's war that he still needed the support of those who followed him.
Achilles patted Patroclus' arm. It had been too long once again. He missed the days that they saw a lot of each other. When they did everything together. "Good to see you as well, brother."