Chelsea and Liverpool have both lined up their top managerial targets ahead of the summer
Ruben Amorim has already told Chelsea and Liverpool that his happiness will decide his future ahead of the summer. Amorim is reportedly wanted by both Premier League clubs but has previously insisted that he is settled at Portuguese league leaders Sporting Lisbon.
Chelsea could turn to the highly-rated tactician if they sack Mauricio Pochettino after a disappointing Premier League campaign. Meanwhile, Liverpool now harbour an interest in the Portuguese coach after missing out on Xabi Alonso.
Amorim, though, has previously insisted several times that he is happy in Portugal, where Sporting are top of the Primeira Liga. The 39-year-old said in February after reports linked him to Chelsea: “I’m not going to dwell on my future, I’ve already said what I had to say. Every time I talk about it the topic comes up again.”
It comes after an interview he gave to Portuguese publication Diario de Noticias last April in which he said other coaches had moved to bigger clubs and were no longer happy. Amorim insists that his happiness will dictate his future, in a message that may see him reject Chelsea and Liverpool this summer.
“The main factor is because I really like being here. And then, I’ve seen many coaches move to other leagues and not be happier,” he said.
“It sounds a bit cliche, but I think it’s an important factor in the decision [to be happy]. And I’m not looking for anything. And by the way, I want to value what I have and not what is said. And it’s been said so many times…
“I’ve already said it, I’ve had contacts with other clubs, Sporting even knows, but I always wanted to stay because I like being at Sporting. If I ever have to leave here, either because I was pushed out with white handkerchiefs, or because I went to another club, it will happen.
“But being here doing my part, I won’t be opening the door and leaving it ajar, because I think Sporting deserves another respect. If I have to go, I will. If I ever want to go, I’ll tell the president and Hugo Viana, and I’ll go. Right now, I want to stay here, I want to fulfil my contract and I have very clear objectives for what I want to do.
“And the club that wants me like Sporting wanted me, has to pay the clause. Because my way of doing things requires it. I can’t invite myself to other clubs, because my way of leading doesn’t work that way.
