Ruben Amorim responds to Liverpool links and 'Special One 2.0' tag

Ruben Amorim has responded to rumours linking him with the Liverpool job and rebuffed the newly acquired tag of 'Special One 2.0'. 

The Sporting CP boss has now taken residence at the top of Liverpool's managerial wishlist ahead of the summer, with Xabi Alonso having committed his short-term future to Bayer Leverkusen.

The 39-year-old has been mightily impressive during his reign in Lisbon, even claiming a first Primeira Liga title for Sporting in 19 years during the 2020/21 season.

The former Braga coach has been attracting interest from Europe's elite clubs as a result, with Liverpool reportedly keen on him replacing Jurgen Klopp in the Anfield dugout.

RUBEN AMORIM SPEAKS ON LIVERPOOL RUMOURS

Speaking ahead of Sporting's upcoming match in the Taca de Portugal semi-final second leg against his former employers Benfica, Amorim was quizzed on the impact that rumours linking him away from the club would have on the team.

As reported by Record, Amorim responded: "No [impact], because that is also part of the players' lives. Everyone thinks a lot about them. If the players are involved with other clubs, perhaps. Not when it's the coach.

"The coach is Sporting's coach and they know they want to win titles for Sporting, just like me."

Amorim has recently been dubbed the 'Special One 2.0', referring to the most famous Portuguese coach of all time Jose Mourinho, who named himself the 'Special One'.

Asked about whether he likes his new nickname, Amorim replied: "It doesn't make sense and I have no illusions about it. We have to prove it on a daily basis.

"I remember being here last year and everyone speculating whether I was going to stay or leave. It's living this on a daily basis and there is no comparison between the great Jose Mourinho and me."

Amorim is the bookies' favourite to succeed Klopp at the end of the season and could finish the current campaign with a second league title, with his side currently sat a point above Benfica with a game in hand.