Ex-Liverpool winger Steve McManaman recently discussed the club’s pursuit of Ruben Amorim as they gear up for Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Anfield this summer.
Former Liverpool player Steve McManaman has warned Liverpool about the daunting task their new manager will confront in trying to match Jurgen Klopp’s dynamic persona.
Ruben Amorim, currently coaching Sporting Lisbon, has risen as a prominent contender to take over from Klopp, reportedly becoming Liverpool’s prime candidate.
At 39, Amorim has showcased remarkable achievements in Lisbon and appears poised to secure his second Portuguese title with Sporting.
However, McManaman, admitting Amorim’s capabilities, expresses apprehension about Klopp’s indomitable presence and charm, suggesting it may present an insurmountable challenge for any successor.
McManaman, who was talking to mark the launch of Panini’s Official England Sticker Collection, said of Amorim: “He’s got a very good reputation in Portugal. He delivered the title to Sporting and they’re fighting for it again this year. Sporting is a huge club, but Liverpool are a different level.
“We all know it’s going to be a difficult job for whoever comes in but the number-crunchers, the data specialists, they’ll be doing their homework behind the scenes.”
He added: “Liverpool are in a really great place. I think practically everybody other than Trent [Alexander-Arnold] and Virgil [van Dijk] are locked down.
“I don’t necessarily think the hard part will be the team; that’s going to be around for a while. It’s everything else: [replacing] the charisma of Jurgen, his sense of humour, how he got the people of Liverpool, that’s going to be the hard job.”
“I know Ruben speaks very good English, which is a great help straight away. But everything else, the whole package to emulate Jurgen, is very difficult for anyone I think.”
Liverpool have initiated preparations for the post-Klopp era by welcoming Michael Edwards back to the club. Edwards, the former sporting director, played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s success under Klopp’s leadership and has now been entrusted with broader responsibilities as Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football.
According to McManaman, Edwards’ appointment and FSG’s ambitious vision, which includes plans for a multi-club ownership model, will enable Liverpool to maintain the level of success achieved during Klopp’s tenure.
Liverpool have begun planning for the post-Klopp era by reinstating Michael Edwards. With his pivotal role in the club’s success under Klopp, Edwards now assumes a broader responsibility as Fenway Sport Group’s chief executive of football.
McManaman believes that Edwards’ appointment and FSG’s vision, including the aim to establish a multi-club ownership model, will ensure the continuation of Klopp’s achievements.
Speaking about FSG’s vision, he added: “That’s important because as we all know, it’s all about how the club move forward.
“Mikel Arteta will eventually leave Arsenal, Pep will eventually leave City. These clubs will know it way in advance and then it’s all about the process of bringing that new manager in.
“I think the fact that Liverpool have brought Michael [Edwards] back is great. They’re talking about buying other football teams as well and having a football model type. So it’s very exciting times, even if it will be a difficult process.”
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