Ruben Amorim, the most serious manager to replace Jurgen Klopp. This is what you need to know about him
Xabi Alonso’s choice to stay with Bayer Leverkusen has caused a setback to Liverpool’s ambitions of appointing him as Jurgen Klopp’s successor. With Klopp set to leave at the season’s end, Alonso had emerged as a leading candidate for the managerial role at Anfield, owing to his previous success as a Champions League winner with Liverpool. Nonetheless, his dedication to Leverkusen, where he has led an impressive unbeaten streak of 38 matches this season, has thwarted Liverpool’s hopes of recruiting him.
Alonso’s choice has prompted Liverpool to explore other potential candidates to fill the managerial vacuum. Ruben Amorim, the coach of Sporting Lisbon, has surged as the top pick among bookmakers, surpassing contenders such as Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi and Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann. Amorim’s achievements with Sporting Lisbon, notably securing their first league title in 19 years during the 2020/21 season, have attracted considerable interest and established him as a formidable contender for the managerial position at Liverpool.
Despite the setback of not securing Alonso, Klopp’s imminent departure coincides with a period of significant achievement for Liverpool. During Klopp’s tenure, the club has undergone a remarkable transformation, achieving success both on and off the field, notably clinching their first league title in 30 years in 2020 and triumphing in the Champions League. Presently, Liverpool trails behind Premier League leaders Arsenal only on goal difference with ten games left, underscoring the team’s sustained competitiveness under Klopp’s leadership.
As Klopp gets ready to say goodbye, he holds the belief that he is departing from a team that is well-prepared for future success. With a mix of youthful talent and seasoned veterans like Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah, Klopp remains hopeful about Liverpool’s outlook in the days ahead. Nonetheless, the daunting challenge of stepping into the shoes of a manager of Klopp’s iconic stature might have dissuaded Alonso from taking the plunge to Anfield, thereby opening opportunities for other candidates like Amorim to rise as potential successors.
In the grand scheme, Liverpool’s quest for Klopp’s successor holds immense significance in maintaining the club’s ongoing triumphs. As the race for the Premier League title intensifies and the potential for a significant journey in the Europa League looms, selecting the ideal manager becomes crucial in determining the club’s path forward. As Liverpool evaluates its alternatives, the upcoming months foreshadow a phase of transition and eager anticipation, marking the club’s readiness for a fresh chapter under a new helm.