He's coached the bicycle kick goals out of him. boring.
When the Moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that's
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He's coached the bicycle kick goals out of him. boring.
And fans.
Bring the best out of DMs: Palhinha, Ugarte and now Hjulmand
View: https://twitter.com/PresidentofTW/status/1775266239356739791
View: https://twitter.com/sporttvportugal/status/1775266206750322833
View: https://twitter.com/DanishScout_/status/1775279335307694255
View: https://twitter.com/Philipmelo126/status/1762205637495165070
View: https://twitter.com/PresidentofTW/status/1775266239356739791
View: https://twitter.com/sporttvportugal/status/1775266206750322833
View: https://twitter.com/DanishScout_/status/1775279335307694255
View: https://twitter.com/Philipmelo126/status/1762205637495165070
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Interesting read when comparing Liverpool and Sporting:
View: https://twitter.com/borbely_imre/status/1775155060139299020
View: https://twitter.com/borbely_imre/status/1775155060139299020
I don’t think his style would go down well at Barca. It’d be effective, but not pretty.
Yeah, they don’t have a Gyokerez/Nunez-like striker - 36 year old Lewandowski won’t make those runs.
Here’s a decent preview of Amorim’s potential tactics at LFC:
View: https://youtu.be/U3zvf-O0XH4?si=DmdENdANsR_5J9G3
Personally I think we would need a brand-new left side: a new LCB in the Inacio mould, a new super-fast and high-energy LWB to gradually replace aging Robbo and a playmaker-like LWF to replace Diaz. But the good news is that most of our key players (Trent, Nunez, Van Dijk, Mac Allister, Salah) seem like they would seamlessly fit Amorim’s system.
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View: https://twitter.com/DistanceCovered/status/1774822277281931536
So unlike Alonso, we’ve got a lot more evidence to assess Amorim. He’s been on the scene for about five years now, and since his emergence, he’s made a real difference in Portugal.
Amorim’s accolates at surface level are enough to grab your attention. In his first job at Braga, he took over in the middle of the season and managed only 13 games in total, winning ten.
His team suffered only two defeats, with both of those coming against Steven Gerrard’s Rangers outfit in the Europa League. Amorim’s Braga side beat FC Porto twice, Sporting twice and Benfica once during that short 13-game period.
In fact, he made enough of an impact in just three months for Sporting to poach him in the March of that season. They paid his £8.5m release clause, which made him the third-most expensive manager ever. He didn’t even possess a UEFA Pro or A Licence at the time.
Sporting haven’t looked back since. In his first full campaign at the helm, he delivered the Primeira Liga title for the first time in 19 years. The Portuguese top flight is painted as a three-team competition, but it’s really all about Porto and Benfica.
Amorim was a disruptor in that sense — just like Klopp has been throughout his career — and he’s proceeded to win a bunch of trophies over the past few years, with his second league title appearing likely to follow this season. Sporting currently have a one-point lead at the summit with a game in hand.
This guy has pretty much completed Portugal, and he’s still just 39 years old, three years younger than Alonso. This Substack is all about going deeper than what you can see on the surface, but it’s hard to completely ignore just how well Amorim has done in his homeland when it comes to securing results.
The stuff under the hood is what we care about from a data perspective, but the history of football has taught us that special managers tend to massively overdeliver at the beginning of their respective careers, even when presented with uphill tasks.
Think José Mourinho at Porto, Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, Rafael Benítez at Valencia, Alex Ferguson at Aberdeen. They all ended up with the finest ingredients further down the line, but also succeeded when they didn’t quite have the best players at their disposal.
I don’t think you necessarily need silverware behind you to manage Liverpool — because what exactly do you expect Roberto De Zerbi to win with Brighton and Hove Albion or Sassuolo? — but the fact Amorim is already a champion does feel like it counts for something.
During Sporting’s first league title win under Amorim, they broke a national record by going 32 matches unbeaten. That sort of thing doesn’t happen by chance. You need probability on your side if you’re going to roll a six every week.
Unsurprisingly, then, Amorim’s underlying numbers look good. His team tends to showcase a healthy performance level, which is why positive results often follow suit, especially this season.
Sporting are creating around 16.7 shots per match in the Primeira Liga this term, with those efforts worth roughly 2.1 xG. Benfica are the only team in the division with marginally better offensive numbers, posting 16.8 shots and 2.2 xG.
On the defensive end, Amorim’s side look brilliant. They face just 7.7 (!!!) shots per match, worth a total of about 0.66 xG. For context, no team across Europe’s big six leagues faces fewer efforts on their goal. Porto concede around 8.6 per match, with Benfica facing 10.2 per match.
Their attack looks busy and their defence looks very quiet, and that’s exactly what you want. This is dominance.
We can capture their precise level of dominance by taking what Sporting create in attack in xG terms, and subtracting what they give away in defence, giving us their xG difference. The bigger the number, the more you’re getting probability on your side.
Sporting’s non-penalty xG difference per match is +1.42. That is excellent. For perspective, Porto and Benfica are posting +1.06 and +1.29. Alonso’s Leverkusen are posting +1.20. Arsenal are on +1.27 and Liverpool are on +1.05.
In each of their previous seasons under Amorim, Sporting have posted +1.22, +1.42 and +1.12 in the Primeira Liga. Positive numbers are to be expected to a certain extent due to the quality of their players in comparison to the average team in Portugal, but this is good stuff. And in the season before he took over, Sporting posted just +0.38.
The Portuguese leaders are truly taking care of their results with their performances nowadays, and guess who is largely responsible for those performances? The man in charge, who dictates the playing style.
At this point, it’s worth noting that Sporting are having a very hot campaign when it comes to finishing. They have overperformed their xG by 16.6 goals so far, which is pretty outrageous.
The next-best side in the division is Estoril with an overperformance of 8.4 goals, and the best finishers in the Premier League this season have been Arsenal with an overperformance of 8.5 goals. Sporting are on double that amount, which has naturally helped them pick up wins.
That’s on the players for putting the ball in the net, not Amorim, so it’s not the sort of thing we can expect him to bring to Anfield. At the same time, though, he absolutely isn’t benefiting from his goalkeeper.
Antonio Adán is aged 36, and it’s showing. Not only has the Spaniard conceded about three goals more than expected this term, but he places bottom of the whole division for defensive actions outside of his penalty box per 90. In other words, he can’t sweep.
With Amorim eager to install a proactive pressing approach — although he does encourage a mid-block of sorts pretty often — you can’t help but imagine how much he’d value Alisson Becker in his goal. The Brazilian number one could unlock additional aspects of his game.
Now for the negatives. There aren’t many, but Liverpool will naturally have a few concerns. He seems to really love 3-4-3, for example, which could prove to be a sticking point.
Some managers take their principles with them from job to job, but change their system depending on the players on offer. Pep Guardiola does this, for example, as does Klopp. Amorim seems to possess fixed principles and a fixed formation.
I’m assuming a lot here, but the ex-Portugal international looks like he’s more in the mould of Antonio Conte in the sense that his preferred system would probably come with him, which isn’t a bad thing until you take a glance at Liverpool’s squad.
There are a few reasons as to why the Reds don’t suit 3-4-3 at the moment, not least because of the central defenders at the club. You’ve got Virgil van Dijk, for a start, who specialises in playing as part of a two and has publicly stated his disapproval of back-three systems when representing his nation.
He is so good that he doesn’t need an extra centre-back by his side. Ibrahima Konaté isn’t that different, either. The Frenchman is complete enough to manage tricky attackers without support, so you can get away with deploying him as part of a two. He also gets injured often, so you can’t count on him to be available every week.
Joël Matip has a contract which is due to expire this summer, Joe Gomez no longer feels like a true centre-back, and none of these guys — including Jarell Quansah — are left footed.
Further forward, Liverpool invested in a load of number eights in the last summer transfer window. Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Ryan Gravenberch all lean towards box-to-box roles as opposed to playing in a double pivot.
Liverpool’s squad would probably have to undergo some surgery over the next few windows if Amorim was to enforce a real shift from 4-3-3 to 3-4-3, which isn’t ideal.
The key outfielders in the team at the moment are arguably Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, and I’m not sure you really optimise any of them by employing 3-4-3.
Amorim has demonstrated an ability to make subtle tweaks after selling key midfielders such as João Palhinha, Matheus Nunes and Manuel Ugarte, but it’s still interesting to think about how all of the pieces would fit.
There is also a question mark attached to his lack of experience outside of Portugal. How good is the Primeira Liga in comparison to the Premier League? He’s never managed outside of his native land, and his record in Europe isn’t great.
Now, we must remember that a manager is only as good as his players for the most part, so it’s difficult for Sporting to win the Champions League, for example. Nevertheless, Amorim has managed 34 matches in Europe across his career, winning 12 and losing 13.
You can draw many different conclusions from that record. Maybe he’s not that good when he’s up against the elite, maybe he can’t cope outside of Portugal, or maybe his game is so offensive and demanding that his players can’t quite deliver when they aren’t the favourites?
If you give him Liverpool’s squad, it’s hard not to imagine his record naturally improving due to better players, but it’s definitely one element to keep an eye on.
All things considered, Amorim looks very attractive, perhaps even the most attractive of all the managers left on the shortlist. His English is flawless, he’s an established champion, and the data behind his team’s modern success is golden. He knows how to make a team more than the sum of its parts.
Amorim has an element of risk attached to his signature, but so does every other candidate. If he was able to reproduce his Sporting work at Anfield, Liverpool would be just fine.
That could simply be a function of not having someone like Alisson or Kelleher at Sporting.
From what I've seen the main difference is that there is less emphasis on high pressing compared to Klopp – it's more mid-block than high press most of the time with Amorim, although he does keep the defensive line high, so the space in the middle becomes compressed and difficult to play through. So it's a little bit less high-risk high-reward game; the structure overall looks more solid by itself without requiring extraordinary levels of energy and stamina on high press – could be good in terms of avoiding injuries, but maybe less of a fear factor for the opponents.
Another subtle difference is that Amorim seems to gravitate towards having proper AM/playmaker type in the team – currently it's Pedro Goncalves at Sporting, whereas Klopp prefers 2 athletic wing-forwards. Other than Carvalho, I don't see this type of a player in the current squad; I could see him wanting to add a classic South American winger/#10 Maradona type, which is something we almost never had under Klopp.
I think that’s a big fundamental difference though - otherwise it’s like saying Klopp & Conte play similar systems.
From everything I can pick up, Amorim wouldn’t be a bad choice, but he’s likely to dial us back to being a team that’s hard to break down - we’ll be tighter and possibly more controlled, but we’re going to lose some dynamism.
I think transition to his way of playing is not going to be painless and there’s something pinging my spider-sense about the changes in personnel we might need to play to his style.
It worries me a little.
I think transition to his way of playing is not going to be painless and there’s something pinging my spider-sense about the changes in personnel we might need to play to his style.
It worries me a little.
What I don't get is why folk assume that, if a manager currently employs a particular formation for his current team, probably suited to the players available, he will automatically employ exactly the same formation if he comes to Liverpool.
I would hope we are short listing potential managers with slightly more flexibility & intelligence than that would suggest.
I would hope we are short listing potential managers with slightly more flexibility & intelligence than that would suggest.
I was actually hoping that with Xabi on board, we transition to a more controlled side, with players closer to each other, less risks taken.
Since we can't get Xabi, Amorim is a good alternative. He seems the closest thing to Klopp? A bit more chaos than under Xabi / De Zerbi
Since we can't get Xabi, Amorim is a good alternative. He seems the closest thing to Klopp? A bit more chaos than under Xabi / De Zerbi
He found his level.
As for the level, Atalanta beat them in the EL recently. People saying 'well Maureen made the leap' must be forgetting that he won the CL with Porto, beating Manure on the way.
That is part of the worry I have. He plays an inflexible 3 at the back so that's a major departure for us (in terms of both style, formation and players required).
In Amorim case it’s because he’s absolutely wedded to 343 - every indication is he will not change that in any way.
I watched it - it’s interesting, but I’m not sure I agree with a lot of his assumptions and it does raise some questions.
1. We’ll need to sign, not one, but 2 CB’s if we’re going to play 3 at the back.
2. I feel like moving Trent back into a solely wide role as a Wing Back might limit him, but it’s certainly very doable. We’re well stocked in both WB positions, for now, so that’s fine.
3. Similarly, while Mac can play the deeper role and think we’ve all seen how good he can be further forward, so that’s a maybes aye, maybes naw from me.
4. Curtis in a deep role - not sure about that at all, so we’re definitely light in there and you’re looking one or two midfielders needing to come in.
Gravy is a maybe, just not sure where he fits in best yet - Morton, Badger & McConnell could support, maybe even Trent sitting there permanently, but yeah, feels light.
5. The role he claims would be perfect for Mo, hinges entirely on what amount of tracking back will be required, because my understanding is Amorim’s system relies on a lot of tracking back from those two half-space midfield/forwards - and if that’s the case, then Mo’s done.
Mac & Harvey would be options there.
6. Dom’s role is perfect and CJ would be the back up. Don’t agree that Diaz would be a good fit - so he’s surplus, but might be good for Carvalho & Clark.
7. Not sure about the Virgil thing - other people seem to think Virgil does not enjoy playing in a back 3. Clearly he could, but if he’s not comfortable and it’s not getting the best out of him, then that’s a potential unnecessary problem.
8. Darwin, fine - but a lot of pressure on him to up his scoring, which is fine and Jota would be a good alternative. Gakpo might be another option, but given it’s now be spot I can’t see how you can keep Darwin, Jota & Gakpo happy with game time and give the likes of Danns some time too.
So that leaves 3-4 players required, mostly in defence, with us culling 1-2 from the forward line, potentially Mo, Diaz, Gakpo/Jota surplus and Virgil, Endo & Robbo with a potentially limited shelf life.
It’s all doable, like, but like I said earlier, it’s not going to be painless.
On top of that, my fear is that while we’d be harder to beat, we’d also struggle to score as much as we need against stronger EPL teams. It does have a Conte feel about it, which is fine, no-one’s going to complain if it’s successful.
it’s all very plausible, but there are also enough flags to raise a few worries.
Excellent read:
breakingthelines.com
How Rúben Amorim Turned Sporting into a Powerhouse
When Rúben Amorim took charge of Sporting in March 2020, the club had won just four major trophies in the previous decade: two Taça de Portugal titles and two Taça da Liga titles. Since then, he’s ended a 19-year drought for the league title, he’s guided them to two Taça da Liga titles, and he…
breakingthelines.com
Sorry but I don’t think Amorim is the right person.
Inzaghi is the one. Go all out to get him now !!
Inzaghi is the one. Go all out to get him now !!
I could see Amorim setting up :
Alisson
Konate - Gomez - Virgil
Bradley - Trent - Endo - Robbo
Mac - Darwin - Slobz
CB’s - Quansah could come in for any of them - I’ve put Gomez in the middle because he could step into midfield (done it before), allowing Trent to push on and Virgil prefers to operate as a left suddd CB.
In midfield, you could easily swap Bradley out, pull Trent out wide and pull Mac beside Endo.
Up front, Harvey & Curtis for Mac & Slobz. Gakpo & Jota can rotate with Darwin.
I know Salah “could” play instead of Mac in the forward life - it just depends how much tracking back Amorim wants.
Still think that’s likely it for Diaz.
Not a lot needed immediately - CB cover, but Replacing Robbo, Virgil & Endo will be something to do in the next few years.
Alisson
Konate - Gomez - Virgil
Bradley - Trent - Endo - Robbo
Mac - Darwin - Slobz
CB’s - Quansah could come in for any of them - I’ve put Gomez in the middle because he could step into midfield (done it before), allowing Trent to push on and Virgil prefers to operate as a left suddd CB.
In midfield, you could easily swap Bradley out, pull Trent out wide and pull Mac beside Endo.
Up front, Harvey & Curtis for Mac & Slobz. Gakpo & Jota can rotate with Darwin.
I know Salah “could” play instead of Mac in the forward life - it just depends how much tracking back Amorim wants.
Still think that’s likely it for Diaz.
Not a lot needed immediately - CB cover, but Replacing Robbo, Virgil & Endo will be something to do in the next few years.
Doesn't speak English and has already said he's staying at Inter.
I don't want a non-English speaking manager. It doesn't work well (having to use a translator all the time) and we want to hold on to players such as VvD and Ali. I don't want them leaving because they can't form a good relationship with the new manager.
I mean if we are going to go all out for someone who has already said they are staying.. we may as well keep hounding Alonso.
It's basically a punt isn't it. He seems as promising as any young manager in Europe, but obviously nobody really knows how any of these guys will cope at the top level.
Obviously his domestic record is outstanding, and he seems to have the necessary personality and swagger, but how well his system will work for us (or how flexible he actually is) and his lack of experience in the big leagues and Europe are obviously big concerns.
It's either someone like him or someone like Emery I guess. I'd go for him, but I get why you wouldn't.
Obviously his domestic record is outstanding, and he seems to have the necessary personality and swagger, but how well his system will work for us (or how flexible he actually is) and his lack of experience in the big leagues and Europe are obviously big concerns.
It's either someone like him or someone like Emery I guess. I'd go for him, but I get why you wouldn't.
I can't understand bringing in any manager that is going to totally overhaul the way we play. Tweeks yes, overhaul no. Why would you? We are leading the PL (pending win at United) and one of the best teams (and now I'd say squads) in Europe.
We need to bring in 2-3 players to make us more consistently tight at the back and maybe to under-study Mo.
If we are talking about a manager that will need to make massive changes in formations, move Mac back again and totally change our left side - count me out as endorsing that manager.
We need to bring in 2-3 players to make us more consistently tight at the back and maybe to under-study Mo.
If we are talking about a manager that will need to make massive changes in formations, move Mac back again and totally change our left side - count me out as endorsing that manager.
Jesus that line up is grim. You've got about 7 defenders and one forward!!
Would expect something more like this myself:
Alisson
Konate
Van Dijk
Gomez
Trent RWB
Endo
Jones
Diaz LWB
Salah
Mac
Nunez
