Former Ruben Amorim star endorses Sporting Lisbon manager for Liverpool job

Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha has backed Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager.

The Reds are currently searching for Klopp's replacement after the German revealed in January that he will leave the club at the end of the season.

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Klopp, but he has recently confirmed his intention to remain with the Bundesliga club next season.

As a result of Alonso's decision, Liverpool are looking elsewhere in their managerial search, with Amorim believed to be one of the contenders.

The Reds have reportedly identified the Sporting Lisbon head coach as their new number one target to lead the Merseyside club into the 2024-25 season.

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Palhinha knows what it is like to work under Amorim after spending two years with Sporting before joining Fulham in 2022.

The Portugal international enjoyed success with Amorim, helping Sporting win four trophies, including the 2020-21 Primeira Liga title.

With Amorim in the frame for the Liverpool job, Palhinha has given a glowing endorsement of his former manager.

"Ruben is a coach with a lot of quality, one of the best in Portugal", Palhinha told O Jogo. "He has done an excellent job since Braga.

"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."

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Palhinha believes Amorim can rise to the task

The Portugal international was then asked whether Amorim has the capacity to coach a club of Liverpool's stature.

"Yes, of course, although the pressure is different," Palhinha added. "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."

Amorim has also commented on the speculation linking him with Liverpool, insisting that he is currently "focused on Sporting", who currently sit top of the Primeira Liga table.