Liverpool Next Manager: Ruben Amorim backed to succeed by Portugal ace

Ruben Amorim has been has been backed to succeed at Liverpool by Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha should the 39-year-old replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. 

Xabi Alonso remains the priority candidate to take over from Klopp come the end of the current campaign after the German announced he would step aside in January, but Liverpool are keeping a close eye on other targets.

With Alonso linked prominently to the Bayern Munich job as well, Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim appears to be the Reds' back-up option.

The Portuguese coach has worked wonders in Lisbon since his appointment in 2020, even guiding Sporting CP to their first Primeira Liga title in two decades during the 2020/21 campaign.

His side are currently leading the league by a point this season and have a game in hand over chasers Benfica, with Amorim having impressed during his time as the club's head coach so far.

JOAO PALHINHA BELIEVES IN FORMER BOSS RUBEN AMORIM

Amorim has caught the eye in Portugal, but few know him more intimately than former Sporting CP man Joao Palhinha.

The Portugal international worked with Amorim during his time in the capital, and has backed his former coach to succeed should he join Liverpool.

Speaking to O Jogo (via TeamTalk), the Fulham midfielder stated: "Yes, of course [he can succeed at Liverpool], although the pressure is different.

"When you coach a big Portuguese club, you have the pressure of the fans and the size of the club itself, which forces you to win. When you coach Liverpool, you have the pressure of the fans, the club and the whole world. The way it’s growing, I think it’s only a matter of time.

"Ruben is a very good coach, one of the best in Portugal, he’s done an excellent job since Braga. He has an in-depth knowledge of the game and has a close relationship with the players.

"The way he’s growing, he won’t be in Portugal much longer."

Amorim currently has a release clause in his contract that could be triggered by Liverpool this summer, although the exact amount the Reds would need to cough up is unclear.