Liverpool managerial target lifts the lid on search for his replacement

Ruben Amorim expresses annoyance at Sporting CP’s decision to seek a replacement for him amid links to Liverpool

Ruben Amorim assertively expressed his upset with Sporting CP for arranging a replacement amid links to Liverpool. Amorim is a firm favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool during the summer after Xabi Alonso downplayed his exit.

Klopp announced that he is stepping back from the managerial role after the end of the current season. The media immediately put Xabi and Amorim as the top two favourites to succeed the 56-year-old at Anfield.

Alonso announced that he is staying with Bayer Leverkusen for the next season, leaving Amorim as the media’s firm favourite. Reports link Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi with the job alongside Amorim.

Sporting CP has already outlined Bayern Munich and Portugal assistant manager Anthony Barry as a replacement for Amorim. Amorim told a reporter (h/t Metro) that his club’s pre-meditated move has annoyed him the most amid the continuous rumour-mongering. He said:

“Completely, the only thing that annoys me is that they already had a replacement for me. That’s what got me the most upset, even today I told [Hugo] Viana [Sporting’s director of football] to calm down because it’s not like that. That’s the only thing I’ve paid attention to.”

He is guiding Sporting CP to the Liga Portugal title, one point ahead of Benfica with a game in hand. Amorim has continued his immense success with the Portuguese side, turning them into a dominant force in the league.

Before the 39-year-old’s appointment, Porto FC and Benfica dominated the Portuguese league as the top two clubs. He ended the 19-year league title wait for Verde e Brancos during his second season at the club.

Amorim’s playing philosophy matches the philosophy of Liverpool with the possessional style of play emphasizing on attacking football. However, his counter-pressing is slightly different and more focused on phases than the all-out counter-pressing that Klopp applies.

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The 39-year-old uses a 3-4-3 formation with variation with defenders playing a key role in building the play from the backline. His three attackers interchange positions and play fluid football within the opponent’s channels with wingbacks stretching the opposition wide.

Amorim, fitting the profile desired by Liverpool, finds the rumours offensive given the remaining football this season. The 39-year-old’s unhappiness shows his professionalism and commitment towards his current club which is a very good mindset for a manager with huge potential.