Liverpool may have found their next manager in Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim, according to recent reports.
Known for his success in revitalizing Sporting Lisbon, Amorim has allegedly agreed to join the Anfield club, potentially succeeding Jurgen Klopp.
Before we dive into Ruben Amorim and his footballing side, it is pertinent to note that the Portuguese is married to stunning missus Maria Joao Diogo since 2013, in front of an audience of famous footballers.
The wife of Ruben Amorim
However, interior designer Maria is very well-connected in the game herself.
In 2013, in a beautiful ceremony at the Palácio de S. Marcos church in Coimbra, Amorim got married to his darling, Maria.
The groom was the first to the event, and as is tradition the bride arrived 30 minutes following the arrival of Amorim.
About 160 guests witnessed the beautiful moment, including members of the football world.
Footballers like Nuno Gomes, Miguel Vítor, Hugo Viana, Luís Filipe and Quim were all at the epic occasion, alongside Maria’s brother, Antero Henrique.
Antero was famously Paris Saint Germain’s former Sporting Director – and was a target of Manchester United, before the Red Devils switched their focus to Dan Ashworth.
Henrique was responsible for the most expensive transfer ever – bringing Neymar to Paris in a record-breaking £198million from Barcelona in 2016.
Antero also convinced Kylian Mbappe to snub Real Madrid’s advances, when he moved from AS Monaco.
Maria’s brother also tried persuading Dani Alves, who was also receiving several offers from Premier League clubs, to join Paris Saint Germain in 2017.
Before his stint at PSG, Antero Henrique modernised the academy of FC Porto and introduced handball and basketball to the organisation.
A club museum and Television channel were also insisted upon by the grounded football director.
Maria Joao Diogo’s sister, Ines Diogo, is also married to a footballer, Luís Filipe, a former Braga, Sporting Lisbon and Benfica footballer.
Meanwhile, despite Maria’s footballing connections, she doesn’t work in football. She instead runs her own interior designer firm called Dois Tons.
On Instagram, Maria Joao Diogo shares pictures of plenty of homes she has given makeovers.
Ruben Amorim Coaching Career
Amorim’s coaching journey began after a career-ending injury forced him to retire from playing at the age of 32.
Inspired by the tactics of Jose Mourinho, he embarked on obtaining his coaching badges and interned under Mourinho during the 2018 edition of High-Performance Football Coaching.
His managerial breakthrough came at Braga, where he clinched the Portuguese Cup within half a season.
This success led to his appointment as Sporting Lisbon boss, where he guided the club to their first league title in 19 years within two seasons.
Despite being dubbed “The Special One 2.0,” Amorim remains modest and dismisses comparisons to Mourinho.
“It has nothing to do with it, it makes no sense and I have no illusions about it,” he said.
“I still remember last year everyone was speculating about whether I was going to leave Sporting.”
There are no comparisons between the great José Mourinho and the Sporting coach.
However, his achievements have caught the attention of Liverpool, who are reportedly nearing a deal with the Portuguese coach.
Amorim’s sporting side currently leads the Portuguese first division and maintains a competitive edge under his leadership.
While Amorim has hinted at uncertainty regarding his future at Sporting, negotiations with Liverpool could see him take over from Klopp, who announced his departure at the end of the season.
Tactical Approach
“Ruben has a tactical flexibility.” Former Valenciennes assistant manager Joao Nuno Fonseca in an interview with Sky Sports shared what Amorim style is like.
He said: “He bases it on the opponent, particularly in Europe. He always considers the weaknesses of the opponent.”
Fonseca added: “He plays a high defensive line most of the time and is good on transitions.”
Amorim has implemented a 3-4-3 diamond formation featuring three agile defenders, alongside an additional player tasked with defensive duties, effectively functioning as a defensive midfielder.
This setup comprises two controlling midfielders responsible for facilitating attacks, a second striker, two wide wingers who stick close to the touchline, and a versatile center forward.
At Sporting, the 39-year-old has often favored a 3-4-3 formation, playing in a low block with attacking wing-backs pushing high up the pitch.
Off the ball, they press aggressively, much like Klopp’s Liverpool, and counter-attack quickly when in possession
Fashion Sense
Beyond his coaching prowess, on the sidelines, Amorim exudes a stylish persona, often donning a combination of jeans, trendy sweatshirts, and fashionable trainers.
His penchant for hoodies and chinos further solidifies his status as a trendsetter in the football world.
Amorim’s fashion sense has also made waves on the touchline, he may give other fashionable managers like Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta a run for their money.
Reports even suggest he’s an avid collector of Yeezys, although this remains unconfirmed.
Should Amorim take the reins at Anfield, his fashionable flair and managerial acumen could usher in a new era for Liverpool Football Club.
