Joao Palhinha, a player for Fulham and Portugal, believes that Ruben Amorim has the skills to handle the pressure that comes with being the manager of Liverpool, and he has the quality and ability to do the job.
Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso had been the Reds’ first-choice target to take over the reins from Jurgen Klopp in the summer, but the Spaniard has confirmed he will stay put at Bayer Leverkusen for another season.
The Merseyside giants must, therefore, go back to the drawing board and consider alternatives, with the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Roberto De Zerbi and Amorim tentatively linked in recent weeks.
Sporting head coach Amorim is regarded as one of the top young managers in world football and has been installed as the bookmakers’ favorite to take charge at the end of the season in the wake of Alonso’s bombshell announcement.
The 39-year-old, who has steered Sporting to the Primeira Liga title and two Portuguese League Cups, has remained quiet when asked about the constant rumors linking him with Liverpool.
But Palhinha has no doubt that Amorim has what it takes to succeed at Anfield, supporting his fellow countryman for the job after working under him for two years at Sporting.
‘Ruben is a coach with a lot of quality, one of the best in Portugal. He has done an excellent job since Braga,’ the Fulham midfielder told Portuguese outlet O Jogo.
‘He has in-depth knowledge of the game and has a close relationship with the players.
‘The way he is growing, he won’t stay in Portugal much longer. It will not be for lack of opportunities that he will not leave Portugal.
‘He dreams and aims to win another title with Sporting and then the future will be in his hands.’
Asked whether Amorim has the ‘capacity’ to manage a club of Liverpool’s stature, Palhinha replied: ‘Yes, of course, although the pressure is different.
‘When you coach a big Portuguese club, you have pressure from the fans and the size of the club itself, which forces you to win.
‘When you coach Liverpool, you have pressure from the fans, the club and the whole world.
‘The way it is developing, I think it will be a matter of time.’
Earlier today, Alonso confirmed he had informed Leverkusen of his decision to stay beyond the end of the season during a recent meeting with club officials.
‘It’s been a season we have had a lot of speculation regarding my future. Until now we have had so many games, been pretty busy and focused, and I wanted to reflect during the international break and take a decision,’ the 2010 World Cup winner told reporters.
‘Last week I had a very good meeting when I informed of them [Leverkusen’s directors] of my decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen.
‘For sure all the decisions you need to analyse well. I try to take the right ones, I try to take them in a natural way.'
He said: ‘Right now, this is the best place for me to grow as a coach. I am a young coach. Currently, this is the right place.
‘I need to express gratitude to the management. The club has been supportive, and I feel respected by all departments. The fans have shown great support, and they have reasons to believe and dream of a successful season. I have an excellent staff to assist me in my daily work, and certainly the players.
‘Last week was my definite deadline. I have put all my cards on the table. I have pondered the decision because it's important to reflect thoroughly.
Once I made the decision, I felt the need to share it with everyone. It is a gesture of respect. I informed the players during a team talk this morning. We have prepared in a usual manner.
‘You guys have speculated a lot – even since last May! It's part of the business, and I haven't been stressed by it.
‘It was crucial that it wasn't affecting the team, and the team's mentality was good. Everything is clear.’
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