Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha has backed Ruben Amorim to take a ‘huge step’ in his career as the Sporting Lisbon coach continues to be linked with Liverpool.
Amorim is the frontrunner to be named as Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool with the latter set to stand down from his role at the end of the campaign.
The 39-year-old guided Sporting to a first Portuguese league title in 19 years in 2020/21 and has led the side to the top of the table again this season, with the capital club four points clear of arch-rivals Benfica with a game in hand.
Palhinha played under Amorim during his spells at Braga and Sporting before moving to the Premier League and has offered insight into the in-demand manager’s style.
“If he does get appointed by Liverpool, I have no doubts that people will like his personality,” Palhinha said, as per the Liverpool Echo.
“I believe he is a great option to replace Jurgen Klopp but we don’t know if that will happen. Either way, he’s going to make a huge step in his career at some point.
“You cannot compare Sporting with a world-class side like Liverpool but there is also great pressure on a manager who is expected to fight for titles in Portugal and he’s used to dealing with that.
“He likes to play with three defenders and have ball possession. At Braga, he didn’t change that, not even when we would lose.
“He always kept the same game idea and if I had to compare his style of play to another team, I’d say Bayern Leverkusen this season, because of the way they are determined and keep the ball. If Amorim does go to Liverpool, it will be a new challenge but players are adaptable and his methods are good.”
