Liverpool ‘Snubbed Ruben Amorim as Jurgen Klopp Replacement’ After Hearing How Much He ‘Needed’ to Spend on Squad Rebuild

In January 2024, the football world was taken aback by Jurgen Klopp’s announcement of his departure from Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season. Klopp, who had been instrumental in revitalizing the club, cited his inability to “do the job again and again and again and again” as the reason for his decision. This unexpected news set Liverpool on a quest to find a suitable successor who could uphold the club’s competitive edge.

Among the potential candidates, Ruben Amorim, then manager of Sporting CP, emerged as a noteworthy option. Amorim had garnered attention for leading Sporting to their first league title in 19 years during the 2020/21 season and for his innovative tactical approach. His success in the Portuguese league made him a compelling choice for a club of Liverpool’s stature.

However, despite Amorim’s impressive credentials, Liverpool’s management had reservations. Reports indicate that the club was concerned about the financial implications of implementing Amorim’s preferred system, which would require significant investment in new players. The estimated cost of this squad overhaul was around £400 million, a figure that gave Liverpool pause in their pursuit of the Portuguese manager.

Consequently, Liverpool shifted their focus to other candidates. Xabi Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder and then manager of Bayer Leverkusen, was considered but ultimately chose to continue his project in Germany. This led Liverpool to Arne Slot, the Dutch manager who had been making waves with Feyenoord. Slot’s tactical philosophy and track record of maximizing resources aligned with Liverpool’s vision, leading to his appointment as Klopp’s successor.

Since taking the helm at Liverpool, Slot has seamlessly integrated into the club’s fabric. He introduced a dynamic, possession-based style that complemented Liverpool’s aggressive ethos. Under his guidance, key players like Mohamed Salah have flourished, with Salah delivering some of the best performances of his career. Slot’s ability to adapt tactically and manage the squad effectively has been pivotal in maintaining Liverpool’s competitive edge.

On the other hand, Ruben Amorim found his way to the Premier League by accepting the managerial position at Manchester United in November 2024. His tenure at United has been challenging, with the team experiencing mixed results and inconsistencies. Implementing his preferred 3-4-3 formation has proven difficult, given the existing squad’s composition. United currently sits 14th in the Premier League, reflecting the struggles faced during this transition.

Amorim’s rigid adherence to his tactical philosophy has been a point of contention. His approach, while successful at Sporting, has not yielded the desired results at United. This rigidity has led to questions about his adaptability and the suitability of his tactics in the context of English football. Despite these challenges, Amorim remains steadfast in his methods, believing that his system is not the problem but rather the execution and characteristics of the players.

The contrasting fortunes of Liverpool and Manchester United highlight the importance of alignment between a club’s existing infrastructure and a manager’s philosophy. Liverpool’s careful consideration of the financial and tactical implications associated with Amorim’s appointment led them to choose a manager whose approach was more in sync with their current setup. This strategic decision has paid dividends, as evidenced by their continued success under Slot’s leadership.

In contrast, Manchester United’s decision to appoint Amorim, despite the significant tactical shift required, has resulted in a period of adjustment and underperformance. The challenges faced by Amorim at United underscore the complexities involved in managerial appointments, particularly when a manager’s preferred system necessitates extensive changes to the squad.

As the season progresses, both clubs will continue to navigate the outcomes of their respective managerial choices. Liverpool aims to build on the solid foundation established by Slot, striving for domestic and European success. Manchester United, meanwhile, faces the task of overcoming current challenges, with Amorim working to implement his vision and achieve the desired results.

The managerial decisions made by Liverpool and Manchester United serve as a reminder of the multifaceted considerations involved in such appointments. Factors such as tactical philosophy, financial implications, and alignment with club culture play crucial roles in determining the success of a managerial tenure. Clubs must weigh these elements carefully to ensure that their chosen path leads to sustained success on and off the pitch.

In conclusion, Liverpool’s decision to ‘snub’ Ruben Amorim in favor of Arne Slot was influenced by a combination of financial prudence and strategic alignment. This choice has been vindicated by the team’s continued success under Slot’s guidance. Conversely, Manchester United’s appointment of Amorim, while ambitious, has highlighted the challenges that can arise when a manager’s philosophy requires substantial changes to the existing squad. The contrasting experiences of these two clubs underscore the complexities inherent in managerial appointments and the critical importance of aligning a manager’s vision with the club’s resources and culture.

As the football landscape continues to evolve, the experiences of Liverpool and Manchester United offer valuable insights into the dynamics of leadership, strategy, and adaptation in the pursuit of excellence.