In a short period as a young coach, Rubén Amorim has quickly become one of the most promising young coaches in all of Europe.
His playing career saw him play in a midfield role at Belenenses and Benfica before his coaching ability put him on the watch list of many of the continent’s biggest clubs. He first caught the eye during his spell 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 in Braga, with 10 wins in 13 games, Sporting acted quickly and paid a substantial sum 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 quite busy.
The Jugo Mobile takes a look at his career at the Portuguese giants, who are currently leading the race to win the Primeira Liga.
Rubén Amorim tactics and style of football play
In his first full season with Sporting, Amorim led the team to a historic domestic double, claiming their first league title in almost two decades while suffering just one league defeat, a testament to his tactical and managerial acumen.
Amorim’s management style has seen him adopt a back three formation, along with a possession-based approach.
He likes to allow his centre-backs to develop play by breaking lines in the middle, supported by a double pivot that falls deep. This has seen Sporting progress with the ball efficiently while maintaining control of games.
Amorim’s tactical flexibility allows for 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 rotate and exploit the spaces behind the opposition lines. Out of possession is where Sporting apply intense pressure, similar to Klopp.
Their aim is to disrupt opponents and quickly regain possession with the front three closing down passing lanes and deploying pressure traps. His defensive organization keeps pressure on opponents and limits their options.
While his immediate focus remains on continued success with Sporting, he is a wanted man. As his managerial journey continues to unfold, Liverpool fans watch as they wait for their club to make a move.
Will Amorim be the new Liverpool manager?
Xabi Alonso is ruled out to replace 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 such as Amorim, who is reportedly highly respected at Anfield, and Roberto De Zerbi, the Brighton & Hove Albion manager.
Julian Nagelsmann and Pep Lijnders remain on the list of possible candidates, although they are not considered favorites.
??? Rubén Amorim remains one of the top names on Liverpool’s summer list for their new head coach. https://t.co/dERzfprMpm
—Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 28, 2024
Rubén Amorim contract details
With Sporting currently at the top of the table, it may prove difficult for the Reds to capture him. He Times reported that Amorim’s contract includes a release clause of up to £17 million.
The Portuguese club renewed its contract in 2022 and it extends until 2026. Amorim said he was very happy and the renewal gave him a lot of confidence.
“For any coach it is very important to receive the trust of a club when you still have a contract in force, and especially in the worst moment we are experiencing as the 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 resolve them and we are ready for another very difficult three-year cycle.
“I want to thank all the Sportinguistas and tell them that three difficult years await us, we know it. We are going to have many joys and, sometimes, also disappointments. We will do everything possible to make Sporting CP much better.” club in three years. Thank you for your trust, I am very happy and I am where I want to be.”
