Romano confirms that Ruben Amorim held talks with Liverpool before Arne Slot appointment
Prior to Arne Slot’s involvement, Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim was in talks with Liverpool, according to Italian reporter Fabrizio Romano. Amorim’s potential move to Anfield seemed likely until recently, with speculations swirling that Chelsea might also be eyeing the 39-year-old coach.
However, negotiations with Amorim eventually fell through, reportedly due to differences in playing philosophy and long-term vision. With Amorim out of contention, the path cleared for Arne Slot, the current manager of Feyenoord, to emerge as the frontrunner for the Liverpool job.
A verbal agreement has been reached between Liverpool and Feyenoord for Slot’s appointment, with the deal reportedly valued at €9 million plus €2 million in add-ons. While an official confirmation is pending, it seems only a matter of time before Slot takes the reins at Anfield.
Romano’s take on the whole situation
In his Daily Briefing column, Fabrizio Romano reveals:
“Amorim’s priority is to wait for an opportunity – he had contacts with Liverpool, but it was never a done deal as some outlets claimed, and he had talks with West Ham but this is not happening.”
“Still, Amorim has a dream to work in the Premier League, so he’s waiting for an opportunity with an English club, but to say he’s in advanced talks with Chelsea is not the reality at this point, because we have to wait until the end of the season to understand Chelsea’s position on Pochettino.”
Amorim, the 39-year-old Sporting CP boss, recently found himself in a public apology after his London visit, where he met with West Ham regarding potentially succeeding David Moyes. He admitted that the timing of the trip, amidst Sporting’s potential Primeira Liga win, was a “mistake.”
Speculations arose about Amorim’s meeting with the Chelsea board during his London visit, with rumors suggesting that Chelsea arranged his flight. However, Chelsea swiftly dismissed these rumors as false, asserting that they had not made any contact with the Sporting boss.
Romano’s assessment aligns with the notion that managerial discussions with Chelsea would be premature, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Mauricio Pochettino’s future. It’s probable that the Chelsea board will delay any managerial decisions until the conclusion of the season, allowing them to assess their options more thoroughly before making a final verdict.
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Amorim’s aspirations of coaching in the Premier League align with his desire to remain at Sporting CP until the right opportunity arises. While Liverpool has shifted its focus elsewhere for their managerial position, Chelsea could indeed view him as a potential replacement for Mauricio Pochettino if they opt for a managerial change in the upcoming summer. Amorim’s managerial success and aspirations could make him an attractive candidate for top clubs looking to make changes at the helm.