Ruben Amorim has shut down speculation that he could follow Sporting Lisbon director of football Hugo Viana to Manchester City.
The Premier League champions have decided to make Viana their successor to Txiki Begiristain, who will leave the club at the end of the season.
Viana’s impending arrival at the Etihad has led to speculation surrounding other imports from Portugal, with Amorim mentioned as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola.
The Portuguese coach ended Sporting’s 19-year wait for a Primeira Liga title in 2020/21 and added a second title last season.
Guardiola’s current contract with the Citizens expires in the summer and there has been no news on a potential extension. City are hopeful of persuading Guardiola to recommit to the club, though could be forced to appoint a new coach at the end of the season.
Amorim, however, has insisted Viana’s move to England will have no influence on his own future.
“Hugo Viana and me, we have different and separate paths,” Amorim said in comments published by Fabrizio Romano.
“His appointment doesn’t mean that I’m going to Man City. We have a very good relationship, which will not last forever.”
New City chief ‘magic’ in the transfer market
Amorim has previously called Viana ‘magic’ for his work in the transfer market, which includes the arrivals of Viktor Gyokeres and Ousmane Diomande and has helped turn Sporting into Portuguese champions.
“Viana has proved, over and over, that he can do magic,” Amorim said, as per the BBC.
“We have to remember that we fight against clubs that are stronger than us financially, so we have to put much more effort, we have to present our project and show our track record in the transfer market.”
