“My number two is Carlos Fernandes, he’s been my right-hand man right from day one. He’ll be a much better coach than me. I often say if I become Bobby Robson, then he’ll be my [Jose] Mourinho.”
It was just a passing comment, but few quotes better sum up the latest managerial superstar produced in Portugal, Liverpool-linked Ruben Amorim.
talkSPORT understands that Liverpool have held talks with Amorim’s representatives over replacing Jurgen Klopp.
He’s made it clear he wants to take over from the German at Anfield after an incredible time in Lisbon.
Amorim’s ascent has been as sharp as fathombly possible; appointed as Braga reserve boss in September 2019, it was just four months before the former Portugal midfielder was given the first team job, and began with a 7-1 destruction of Belenenses.
Soon, ten wins and a draw followed in all domestic competitions, winning the League Cup final and racking up wins against all of ‘Os Tres Grandes’ – the big three.
Read more on Ruben Amorin
One of them had seen enough, with Sporting CP handing Amorim a contract featuring a £13million release clause, by far the biggest in the history of Portuguese football, just four months into his professional career.
Incredibly though, that clause soon looked cheap, with Amorim guiding the faltering giants to their first league title in 19 years, ending a curse and cementing legendary status in his home country.
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Turning out for Lisbon rivals Benfica over 150 times as a player, Amorim even featured alongside Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal at two World Cups.
The 39-year-old is clearly destined for greatness, which has led to him being labelled ‘the next Mourinho’, but in reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Every imaginable criticism of Mourinho over the years, Amorim is the antithesis of.
Mourinho doesn’t like youth; Amorim won the title with teenagers dotted all over the pitch, turning debutants into superstars in mere weeks.
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Mourinho is arrogant; Amorim always takes the blame for defeats and ensures that his players are given credit for wins.
Upon winning Sporting’s historic title, he even made sure his staff were present for the press conference, sharing the plaudits for such an incredible victory that was mostly down to him.
Earmarked by some as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor at Real Madrid, Amorim was mooted to be in the running for vacancies at both Manchester United and Chelsea.
Asked about the United reports before the Red Devils appointed Erik ten Hag, his answer was as anti-Mourinho as ever.
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“These are just rumours,” Amorim said. “I don’t attach any importance to it. I think Manchester United should contact [Ajax manager] Erik ten Hag, and right away!”
The only real similarity between Mourinho and Amorim is their nationality.
But should Liverpool go for Amorim, it’s possible the Portuguese manager could have a similar impact as Mourinho managed in his first campaign in England.
Certainly, we are looking at someone who is heading to the top.