In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Ruben Amorim has all but confirmed he will NOT be the next manager of Liverpool.
The highly sought-after Sporting CP boss, who had been the clear frontrunner to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, made a stunning declaration of loyalty to his current club immediately after masterminding a crucial 2-1 Derby de Lisboa victory over arch-rivals Benfica.
Amorim was captured on camera in the passionate post-match celebrations, telling Sporting's ecstatic fans: "Now that the derby is over… I’m not going to talk about it anymore. I’m going to be at Sporting next season."
A Crushing Blow for Liverpool's Search
This announcement deals a devastating blow to Liverpool's meticulous plans to find a successor for the departing Klopp. The Merseyside club had identified the 39-year-old Portuguese coach as their primary target after their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso ended unsuccessfully.
Amorim's tactical acumen, track record of success, and development of young talent had made him the ideal candidate in the eyes of the Anfield hierarchy, who were reportedly prepared to meet his substantial €15 million release clause.
Eyes Now Turn to Alternative Targets
With Amorim seemingly out of the running, Fenway Sports Group and new Sporting Director Richard Hughes face a frantic re-think with the summer approaching rapidly. The search for a new manager has now been thrown wide open.
Potential candidates who may now come back into focus include:
- Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi
- Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann
- Atalanta's Gian Piero Gasperini
For now, Liverpool fans are left reeling from this unexpected setback, while in Lisbon, Sporting supporters are celebrating not just a monumental derby win, but the retention of their beloved leader.
