Ruben Amorim is giving little away over growing links that he could be the next Liverpool boss.
The Portuguese head coach is in the running to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, after the current Kop chief confirmed his decision to leave. Former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso has been favourite to take over, but has pulled out of the race, announcing his intention to stay with German side Bayer Leverkusen.
That has seen the attention of returning FSG chief Michael Edwards and incoming sporting director Richard Hughes shift towards other options on their shortlist - including highly-fancied Amorim. After Friday’s win against Estrela Amadora, the 39-year-old was asked about a potential move to Anfield.
He replied: “Right now, I’m focused on Sporting. I’m very proud to be Sporting’s coach. We’re focused on winning titles. You’ll see in the end. I have a contract and I’m very happy here. That’s the most important thing, more than contracts, I’m very happy here. The focus is on beating Benfica in the Portuguese Cup.”
Should Amorim be interested in a switch to Merseyside, Liverpool could take advantage of a clause in his contract. He has a release clause written into his deal that has gradually dropped during his time in charge of Sporting, and this summer is understood to be in the region of £12.8million.
This would drop even further to £8.5m in 2025 - the same amount the Portuguese giants originally paid to tempt him from Braga in 2020. Amorim’s contract with Sporting Lisbon is due to run until 2026.
And the highly-rated coach has already been backed for a move to Anfield by his former player, Fulham's Joao Palhinha.
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In an interview with O Jogo, when asked if Amorim is capable of dealing with the pressure of being Liverpool boss, the Fulham star replied: “Yes, of course, although the pressure is different. When you coach a big Portuguese club, you have pressure from the fans and the size of the club itself, which forces you to win.
“When you coach Liverpool, you have pressure from the fans, the club and the whole world. The way it is developing, I think it will be a matter of time.”
Should Amorim leave Sporting this summer, he could be leaving as a two-time Primeira Liga winner. He led the club to the title during the 2020/21 campaign by losing just one game. Sporting currently hold a one-point advantage at the top of the table with a game in-hand over nearest rivals Benfica. Amorim is also a two-time Portuguese League Cup winner as a manager.
Sporting have also reached the semi-finals of the most recent edition and take on Benfica in the second-leg of their meeting. Amorim's side are currently 2-1 up after victory at home.
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