In a startling revelation that unveils the superstitious rituals of top-level management, Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim has confessed he deliberately looked away and refused to watch Bruno Fernandes take a critical penalty for Manchester United.
The fascinating admission came during a press conference ahead of Sporting's Champions League clash, where Amorim was asked about his former captain's infamous moment against Everton last season.
The Superstitious Mind of a Manager
Amorim, widely regarded as one of Europe's most promising young coaches, explained that his refusal to watch was born from a deep-seated belief and a desire not to jinx his former player. The intense emotional connection to Fernandes made the moment too nerve-wracking to observe directly.
'I didn't see it, I didn't want to see it,' Amorim stated emphatically. 'I have this thing with Bruno... I turned away. I only knew he had scored when I heard the goal scream.'
A Bond Forged in Lisbon
The relationship between manager and player is clearly a strong one, forged during their successful time together at Sporting Lisbon. Amorim's protective instinct and unwavering support for Fernandes, even after his big-money move to Old Trafford, highlights a bond that transcends the typical player-coach dynamic.
This insight offers a rare glimpse into the psychological quirks and personal investments that define the world of elite football management, where logic often takes a back seat to gut feeling and superstition.
