Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha believes Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim has what it takes to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
The 28-year-old played 87 games under the manager in Portugal, helping the club to their first title in 19 years in 2021. Amorim is one of the alternatives being linked with the forthcoming vacancy at Anfield, should the club fail to land Xabi Alonso.
Palhinha, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool in previous transfer windows, predicts Amorim will be on the move to a European giant soon enough and suggests that his former boss would indeed be able to cut it on Merseyside, despite the increase in pressure and scrutiny.
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“Ruben has a lot of quality, one of the best in Portugal,” Palhinha said to Portuguese outlet O Jogo. “He’s done an excellent job. He has in-depth knowledge and has a close relationship with players. The way he’s growing, he will not be in Portugal for much longer.”
He added: “Capable of taking over Liverpool? Yes, of course. The pressure is different. When you coach Liverpool, you have pressure from the fans, the club, the whole world. I think it will be a matter of time.
Amorim himself has come out to try and quell some of the speculation with Sporting currently gunning for the Portuguese title again. "I'm not going to dwell on my future, I've already said what I had to say," said in February. "Every time I talk about it the topic comes up again.”
Reports moot that supposed top choice Alonso has not yet made a decision on his future, despite contrary rumours, but will make up his mind within the next month. Bayern Munich are also very keen on the Spaniard, who represented both the Bavarians and Liverpool during his playing career.
