7 months ago
158 Liverpool have a huge decision to make with manager Jurgen Klopp leaving Anfield at the end of the season – and finding a replacement is top of the priority list for Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes.
Klopp’s tenure is coming to an end after a wonderful stint as Anfield manager – but it leaves The Reds with a difficult decision to make. Plenty of managers are being linked with a move to Anfield this summer.
Xabi Alonso is of course, the front runner. The former Anfield man is starring in his role as Leverkusen manager, with Bayer 10 points ahead of Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich. A Bundesliga title in the offing.
It would be an incredible achievement and his work in Germany as a manager has not gone unnoticed. Liverpool are desperate to bring him in – and Richard Keys says he has already agreed to replace Klopp.
Ruben Amorim is on Liverpool shortlist to replace Jurgen Klopp
But he is not the only manager on Liverpool’s radar – in case Alonso chooses to go to Bayern Munich or Real Madrid, or even remain at Leverkusen. Brighton’s Robert De Zerbi, Lens boss Franck Haise, linked.
Emerging as a strong contender, though, is Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim. The 44-year-old gaffer has long been linked with most Premier League clubs at one point or another, as he shines in Portugal.
Fabrizio Romano said this week that Amorim was Liverpool’s second choice ahead of De Zerbi and other manageres, if they fail to get Alonso. The Daily Mail say Sporting boast a £25m clause in Amorim’s deal.
Speaking to O Jogo this week – as per Desporto Sapo – Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha said his old Sporting boss Amorim suits Liverpool, predicting it won’t be long before he moves to the Premier League.
“Rúben has a lot of quality, one of the best in Portugal. Done an excellent job. He has in-depth knowledge and has a close relationship with players. Way he’s growing, he will not be in Portugal for much longer.
“Capable of taking over Liverpool? Yes, of course. The pressure is different. When you coach Liverpool, you have pressure from the fans, the club, the whole world. I think it will be a matter of tim,” he said.
Amorim’s Sporting stats show he would shine as Liverpool boss
Recently surpassing 200 games in charge at Sporting, Amorim has clocked up 144 wins in 206 games as manager of the Portuguese giants. In 20-21, he won their first League title in 19 years, doing the double.
He looks good to replicate that this season, with Sporting sitting top of the Portuguese League – a point ahead of Benfica with a game in hand. Amorim is one of the best bosses outside of the top five leagues.
Whether he can replicate his success at Sporting in England remains to be seen. But he plays an exciting, attacking brand of football that would engage Liverpool supporters. Amorim would be a wise addition.
Alonso should remain first choice, though. Largely because of Amorim’s massive £25m release clause. But if Alonso goes elsewhere, then Amorim has to be the one Liverpool go after – as Palhinha suggests.
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