In a short period as a young manager, Ruben Amorim has swiftly emerged as one of the most promising young coaches across Europe.
His playing career saw him in a midfield role at Belenenses and Benfica before his coaching ability put him on the watchlist of many of the continent’s biggest clubs. He first caught their attention during his time at Braga in 2019 at the age of 34 before taking another step in the right direction at Sporting CP.
Impressing during his brief tenure at Braga, with 10 wins from 13 games, Sporting acted quickly and paid a substantial fee to release him from his contract and secure his services.
With Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich all needing new managers in the summer of 2024, we suspect Amorim’s agent has been rather busy.
The Sporting News takes a look at his career at the Portuguese giants, who are currently leading the race to win the Primeira Liga.
MORE: Xabi Alonso out of running to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool
Ruben Amorim tactics and football style of play
In his first full season with Sporting, Amorim led the team to a historic domestic double, clinching their first league title in nearly two decades while suffering only one league defeat – a testament to his tactical and managerial acumen.
Amorim’s managerial style has seen him adopt a back-three formation, coupled with a possession-based approach.
He likes to allow his centre-backs to build up play by breaking lines through the centre, supported by a double pivot dropping deep. This has seen Sporting progress the ball efficiently while maintaining control of games.
Amorim’s tactical flexibility enables adjustments to the team’s shape mid-game and can see his players alter their passing options and forward movements.
When attacking and in the final third, Amorim’s fluid front three rotates and exploits spaces behind opposition lines. Out of possession is where Sporting play an intense pressing game, similar to Klopp.
They aim to disrupt opponents and regain possession quickly with the front three closing down passing lanes and deploying pressing traps. Their defensive organisation maintains pressure on opponents and limits their options.
While his immediate focus remains on further success with Sporting, he is a wanted man. As his managerial journey continues to unfold, Liverpool fans watch on as they wait for their club to make a move.
MORE: The best — and tightest — Premier League title races in history
Will Amorim be Liverpool’s new manager?
Xabi Alonso has been ruled out of replacing Klopp at Liverpool, as the club understands that the Spaniard will not be available this summer.
The development further strengthens the position of potential candidates like Amorim, who is reportedly held in high regard at Anfield, and Roberto De Zerbi, the manager of Brighton & Hove Albion.
Julian Nagelsmann and Pep Lijnders remain on the list of potential candidates, however, they aren’t viewed as frontrunners.
🔴🇵🇹 Ruben Amorim remains one of the main names on Liverpool list ahead of the summer for new head coach. https://t.co/dERzfprMpm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 28, 2024
Ruben Amorim contract details
With Sporting currently atop the league table, it may prove difficult for the Reds to capture him. The Times reported that Amorim’s contract includes a release clause of up to £17 million.
The Portuguese club extended his contract in 2022 and it runs until 2026. Amorim said he was very happy and the renewal gave him great confidence.
“For any coach it is very important to receive the trust of a club when you still have a contract in place, and especially in the worst time we have been experiencing as Sporting CP coaching staff.
“Renewing with me for a longer period now is a sign of great confidence. Even with the problems that all families have, we have managed to solve them and we are ready for another very difficult three-year cycle.
“I want to thank all Sportinguistas and tell them that there will be three difficult years ahead; we know that. We are going to have a lot of joy and, sometimes, disappointment too. We will do everything to make Sporting CP a much better club in three years. Thank you for your trust, I am very happy and I am where I want to be.”
