Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Xabi Alonso, Sporting Lisbon, Premier League
Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim is the favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp in the Liverpool dugout.
Liverpool are still in the process of replacing one of the club’s most iconic managers who announced his shock decision to depart at the end of the season earlier this year.
Many had earmarked Bayer Leverkusen Xabi Alonso as the favourite to replace Klopp given his legacy on Merseyside and success in the Bundesliga.
However, Alonso confirmed he would remain with Leverkusen next season earlier this week, days before taking a 13-point lead at the top of the table following Bayern Munich’s defeat to Borussia Dortmund which effectively ended the title race.
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Multiple reports suggest Liverpool were well aware of Alonso’s intentions amid their ongoing manager search with Amorim quickly emerging as the new favourite to take charge.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Germany manager Julian Nagalsmann are also believed to be on Liverpool’s shortlist but the Sporting Lisbon boss is rumoured to have the edge in the race to replace Klopp.
Amorim, 39, has enjoyed plenty of success at the Portuguese side, leading them to their first league title in 19 years during his first full year at the helm.
Sporting are currently top of the division again and have caught the eye scoring 77 goals while only conceding 26.
Amorim’s appointment could mean a change in tactics for Liverpool who have stuck by Klopp’s tried and tested 4-3-3 for the majority of his time on Merseyside.
At Sporting, the ex-Benfica midfielder has favoured a 3-4-3 shape, one which could see one of Klopp’s key signings ultimately miss out - we take a look at how Liverpool could line up if Amorim is appointed.
Despite Caoimhin Kelleher’s excellent form, Alisson will no doubt return as a starter after establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Virgil van Dijk is yet to commit to a new deal at Anfield but has looked back to his best this year after taking the captain’s armband from Jordan Henderson. He is likely to sit in the middle of a back three consisting of Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez. Liverpool could also look to raid Sporting for either Goncalo Inacio or Ousmane Diomande amid their excellent form this year, both have been tipped to move to a top Premier League side in the summer.
Amorim’s fluid shape could prove to be the perfect role for Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right given his playmaking abilities. Moving him further up the field allows him to have a more offensive influence on the game while a back three provides more defensive stability behind him. On the opposite flank, Andy Robertson remains Liverpool’s first-choice but Liverpool could look to sign a younger alternative. Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri has been linked in recent weeks with Klopp reportedly recommending him to the club.
In the centre of midfield is where things could get interesting as Amorim prefers to use a double-pivot.
In his Sporting system, Morten Hjulmand is the screener who sits and offers protection in transition while Hidemasa Morita is the midfielder who advances more, pushing into the box or drifting out wide.
Wataru Endo seems perfect for the more defensive role leaving Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to fight for just one more central role. Mac Allister has established himself as one of Klopp’s most important players in recent weeks which could give him the edge. Fortunately for Szoboszlai, his versatility means he can cover a number of positions and could be used further up the field if need be.
Sporting forward Viktor Gyökeres is currently one of the highest scoring forwards in Amorim’s setup, with 22 goals and 10 assists in just 25 league games this season. That could be good news for Darwin Nunez who is likely to be flanked by Mohamed Salah and one of Luis Diaz or Diogo Jota in the Liverpool attack.
Given the title implications for both teams, it’s unlikely Klopp’s replacement will be announced before the end of the season.
Amorim is seeking further glory with his current side but a move to one of Europe’s elite seems just a matter of time.
