Ruben Amorim’s Reaction to Liverpool Links and the ‘Special One 2.0’ Tag

Ruben Amorim, the Sporting CP maestro, has delivered his response to the swirling rumours linking him with the managerial helm at Liverpool while shrugging off comparisons to the moniker ‘Special One 2.0’.

Amorim, aged 39, has ascended to the apex of Liverpool’s managerial wishlist as the summer approaches, following Xabi Alonso’s commitment to Bayer Leverkusen. His tenure in Lisbon has been nothing short of spectacular, culminating in Sporting’s first Primeira Liga title in nearly two decades during the 2020/21 season.

The ex-Braga tactician’s remarkable achievements have attracted attention from the cream of Europe’s managerial crop, with Liverpool purportedly eyeing him as Jurgen Klopp’s successor.

Amorim Addresses Liverpool Rumours

Ahead of Sporting’s pivotal clash in the Taca de Portugal semi-final second leg against his former club Benfica, Amorim fielded questions regarding the potential impact of departure speculations on his squad.

Amorim asserted to Record, “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.”

The ‘Special One 2.0’ Dismissal

Recently bestowed with the epithet ‘Special One 2.0’, an homage to the legendary Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, Amorim offered his thoughts on the newfound title.

“It doesn’t make sense and I have no illusions about it. We have to prove it on a daily basis.”

He added, “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 emerges as the frontrunner in bookmakers’ predictions to assume Klopp’s mantle at the conclusion of the season. Moreover, he stands poised to clinch another league title, with Sporting currently perched a point above Benfica with a game in hand.