‘It’s a question I shouldn’t answer’: Jose Mourinho delivers verdict on Ruben Amorim and his future – after in-demand Sporting Lisbon boss apologised for holding talks with Premier League clubs
- Ruben Amorim has recently been linked with a move to Liverpool and West Ham
- The Portuguese manager has apologized for holding talks with the Hammers
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Jose Mourinho has praised his compatriot Ruben Amorim, claiming the Sporting Lisbon manager would be ‘capable of coaching at any club’.
The 39-year-old is in talks to take over at both Liverpool and West Ham. Last week it appeared the Sporting boss had flown to London to talk to West Ham representatives about a move to succeed David Moyes.
While his move to Liverpool seems all but out of the question, with the Reds appearing to close a deal to appoint Arne Slot as their successor to Jurgen Klopp, it also appears that a possible move to the Hammers is now also on the wane .
Despite this, he is still widely regarded as one of the best young managers in European football at the moment, with ex-Man United, Chelsea and Real Madrid boss Mourinho speaking highly of his compatriot.
In an interview with Mais Futebol, Mourinho said: ‘It is also a question that I should not answer, but what can I tell you? I like him [Amorim] as a person I like him as a coach.
Jose Mourinho has given his verdict on much sought-after Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim
Mourinho claimed Amorim ‘could coach at any club in Europe’
Amorim’s potential moves to West Ham and Liverpool both appeared to have come to a standstill this week
“I think he is capable of coaching in any competition and he can coach at any club. But he is in a good league and plays for a great club.
‘It is his decision and it will be up to the clubs who want him or not, or want to convince him, with more or less arguments.
“What’s clear to me is that I like the person and I like the coach.”
Earlier this week, Amorim had apologized for flying to West Ham for talks. It came at a crucial point in the season for Sporting, who are in the hunt for the league title and have three games left to play this season.
They dropped points in the title race to Porto on Sunday evening after both teams played out a 2-2 draw.
Amorim was hounded by journalists after he made a trip to London last week to speak to West Ham representatives
David Moyes’ future is currently unclear despite his recent success at the London Stadium
Arne Slot is nearing the appointment as Jürgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool
Amorim apologized and admitted it was a “mistake” to travel to London last week.
‘It was a mistake. The timing was completely wrong,” Amorim admitted after flying off at such a critical time of the season.
“I always ask my players to be respectful and I wasn’t, even though I had informed the club before.”
‘I am so sorry and I apologize to the fans, the club and the players.’
