Former Liverpool defender Abel Xavier heaps praise on Liverpool-linked Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim

Avel Xavier explained the “destiny” of Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim to manage a top club amid interest from Liverpool. Amorim is guiding the Portuguese club to their second Liga Portugal title under him and another Taca de Portugal trophy.

Verde e Brancos are four points ahead of Benfica in the title race with a game in hand. Amorim guided them to the title victory in his first full season at the club during the 2020-21 season.

The 39-year-old established Sporting CP as one of the dominant clubs in Portugal among Benfica and Porto.  He used shrewd transfer business and developed young players from the club’s academy to make that happen.

Speaking to BBC World Service, Xavier stated that Ruben’s qualities make him destined to manage a top club. He said:

“His destiny is to leave Sporting Lisbon. His name is going to be always in one of the top clubs, for sure. I know him very well. He is very humble, discreet, and has a very clear mindset. His communication in Portugal is very honest, very open. Sometimes we, as coaches, need to balance the communication between inside and outside, but he speaks freely. He is able to adapt to the circumstances but not change his convictions.”

Xavier highlighted the cultural shift that Amorim brought when Sporting CP appointed him as their manager in the 2019-20 season. He said:

“Yes. First of all, the philosophy of Sporting Lisbon comes from the academy and progression to the first team. Ruben is also coordinated with the youth development – he knows exactly what the features of certain players are. In recent years, before Ruben, they went more into investments and the club won nothing. With the signing of Ruben, they returned to this identity.”

In January, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp announced that he was stepping back from his role after this season. The early announcement allowed the Reds hierarchy to restructure the management and plan for the new era.

Liverpool’s owner FSG appointed Michael Edwards to take control of the footballing operation and hired Richard Hughes as the new sporting director. Edwards and Hughes are supervising the search for a new manager to succeed Klopp with Amorim as the firm favourite.

Amorim’s philosophy, tactical knowledge and achievements with his current club make him an ideal successor. The 39-year-old uses a 3-4-3 formation that is different from Klopp but the German is leaving behind an incredible squad.

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The current senior team is fluid and versatile enough to play under any kind of tactical instruction. Klopp has also built a culture of success that balances with the development of young players. Amorim has implemented the same culture at Sporting CP which should please the Liverpool fans amid the departure of their beloved manager.