The meeting between Ruben Amorim and West Ham concerning his potential summer appointment as manager was a misstep, the coach has admitted.



This time last month, the manager from Sporting was considered the favorite to take over at Liverpool. He won the Portuguese championship in 2020-21 and will most likely repeat the feat this year.



Although <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/who-is-ruben-amorim-the-candidate-for-the-liverpool-job/">Amorim</a> had hoped that the Reds would make an offer for him, his efforts had the opposite effect. Evidently, they lost interest, and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/arne-slot-confirms-desire-he-wants-to-join-liverpool-this-summer/">Arne Slot</a> is just a confirmation away from leading Liverpool next season.



Still, the Anfield outfit aren’t the only Premier League club that have supposedly been connected to the 39-year-old boss. Finally compelled to do so, Amorim recently made the journey to London to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ruben-amorim-to-snub-liverpool-but-premier-league-stays-open/">negotiate with West Ham</a>.



<h2>London trip to decide Amorim’s fate?</h2>



When the current season ends, the Hammers want to make a change by hiring a new management. Their league campaign has been less than stellar, and David Moyes will most certainly get the boot at this term’s conclusion.



If they are successful in their pursuit of Amorim, they will have made a great signing. It’s no secret that the Portuguese is generally considered to be one of the best young managers in European soccer.



There seems to be a growing number of people interested in marrying Ruben Amorim, which makes it seem like he won’t be hanging around for another season. At the same time, he is not quite through with his tasks in Lisbon.



He is only four games away from a second Portuguese league championship with Sporting. The Lisbon native has been a part of the club since March 2020, and they now have a seven-point lead.



During this journey, Sporting were at a pivotal point in their pursuit of the Portuguese title. As a result, Amorim has been in hot water because of his meeting with the Premier League side.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="433" height="511" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240428_WST_504044_image-20_29fa8e21.webp&amp;width=433&amp;height=511" alt="" class="wp-image-504066" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/image-20.png 433w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/image-20-254x300.png 254w" sizes="(max-width: 433px) 100vw, 433px"></figure><figcaption>Amorim was criticised for meeting West Ham</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What did Amorim say?</h2>



Thus, the Portuguese manager freely admitted that he should have thought twice about when he took this trip. He then apologized to the club and Sporting supporters for his inappropriate behavior. The ex-Benfica man regrets going to London to negotiate while he is still on the payroll in the Primeira Liga.



“So, let’s get the elephant out of the room and I’ll talk about it once. The first thing is to say that the club was aware of my trip. It’s important and changes the context”, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cnkewd1z79xo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he told reporters</a>.



“Then, talk about the cloak of secrecy that surrounded the trip. I secretly parked the car outside, secretly walked past 15 people, past people and took photographs and got on a plane to take away a little bit of this thing that was all done behind the club’s back, that didn’t happen.



“Obviously my trip was a mistake, the timing was completely wrong, it didn’t seem right at the time. It was wrong, especially when I’m so demanding with my players and always the first to say that each one’s problems don’t go away. They can overpower the team, I have already removed players from the squad for much less. It was my mistake, I have to accept it and live with it.”



Photo credit: IMAGO / Maciej Rogowski

Amorim apologizes for poorly-timed West Ham talks: What now?

The meeting between Ruben Amorim and West Ham concerning his potential summer appointment as manager was a misstep, the coach has claimed.

Amorim apologizes for poorly-timed West Ham talks: What now? - World Soccer Talk

Now that Jurgen Klopp is out of the picture at Liverpool, Ruben Amorim is allegedly in pole position to replace him. 



Following his replacement of Xabi Alonso as the number one target for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> position, the Portuguese has finally spoken out.



The popular choice for the position after Jurgen Klopp’s departure at the season’s conclusion was former Reds player Xabi Alonso. However, he made his intentions known to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/liverpool-looks-to-plan-b-as-alonso-announces-leverkusen-stay">remain with German club Bayer Leverkusen</a> this week.



Under the Spanish coach’s tutelage, they are within striking distance of the Bundesliga championship. Thus, the Reds will have to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/neither-alonso-nor-de-zerbi-liverpool-target-surprise-top-name-20240203-WST-487372.html">seek elsewhere to replace Klopp</a> when the current season comes to a close.



Once Michael Edward returns, he and the newly appointed sports director Richard Hughes will turn their attention to the remaining targets on their list. Over the weekend, the 39-year-old <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/who-is-ruben-amorim-the-candidate-for-the-liverpool-job/">Amorim</a> has become the clear frontrunner to sit next at the red-hot Reds seat.



<h2>What did Amorim said about Liverpool interest?</h2>



In order to woo Amorim away from Sporting, Liverpool would reportedly need to pay a <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/03/29/xabi-alonso-liverpool-snub-decides-stay-bayer-leverkusen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">staggering sum of over $21 million</a>. It’s a sum that would set a new record in Portugal.



During his four years as coach in Lisbon, the Portuguese boss has won three major championships with the club. Their 2-1 victory against Estrela Amadora puts them in position to capture a second Portuguese crown.



The win on Friday propelled them to the top of the Primeira Liga, passing Benfica in the process. After the game, reporters wanted to know whether Amorim was interested in taking over as manager of Liverpool.



Despite acknowledging interest, the former midfielder said he is content with the Green and Whites. “Right now, I’m focused on Sporting. I’m very proud to be Sporting’s coach”, he told Portuguese newspaper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/sporting/detalhe/amorim-nao-pensa-no-liverpool-o-foco-esta-em-ganhar-ao-benfica?ref=HP_DestaquesPrincipais">Reco</a><a href="https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/sporting/detalhe/amorim-nao-pensa-no-liverpool-o-foco-esta-em-ganhar-ao-benfica?ref=HP_DestaquesPrincipais" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">r</a><a href="https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/sporting/detalhe/amorim-nao-pensa-no-liverpool-o-foco-esta-em-ganhar-ao-benfica?ref=HP_DestaquesPrincipais">d</a>.



“We’re focused on winning titles. You’ll see in the end. I have a contract and I’m very happy here. That’s the most important thing, more than contracts, I’m very happy here. The focus is on beating Benfica in the Portuguese Cup.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="435" height="349" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240331_WST_498479_Screenshot-2024-03-31-170518_322fadaf.webp&amp;width=435&amp;height=349" alt="" class="wp-image-498518" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-31-170518.png 435w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-31-170518-300x241.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 435px) 100vw, 435px"></figure><figcaption>Speculation on who will replace Klopp is ramping up</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Liverpool move closer than believed?</h2>



Indeed, the confirmation of Ruben Amorim’s appointment as Jurgen Klopp’s successor is imminent, as it is inevitable in the managerial realm. Fulham star Joao Palhinha, who spent two years under Amorim, claims as much.



“Ruben is a coach with a lot of quality, one of the best in Portugal. He has done an excellent job since Braga”, he told <a href="https://www.ojogo.pt/3201201602/palhinha-gyokeres-estavam-todos-um-bocadinho-a-dormir/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">O Jogo</a>. “He has in-depth knowledge of the game and has a close relationship with the players.



“The way he is growing, he won’t stay in Portugal much longer. It will not be for lack of opportunities that he will not leave Portugal. He dreams and aims to win another title with Sporting and then the future will be in his hands. Yes, of course, although the pressure is different.



“When you coach a big Portuguese club, you have pressure from the fans and the size of the club itself, which forces you to win. When you coach Liverpool, you have pressure from the fans, the club and the whole world. The way it is developing, I think it will be a matter of time.”



Photo credit: IMAGO / Atlantico Press

Amorim speaks out on Liverpool interest after Alonso's decision

Now that Jurgen Klopp is out of the picture at Liverpool, Ruben Amorim is allegedly in pole position to replace him.

Amorim speaks out on Liverpool interest after Alonso's decision - World Soccer Talk

Now that Jurgen Klopp is out of the picture at Liverpool, Ruben Amorim is allegedly in pole position to replace him. 



Following his replacement of Xabi Alonso as the number one target for the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> position, the Portuguese has finally spoken out.



The popular choice for the position after Jurgen Klopp’s departure at the season’s conclusion was former Reds player Xabi Alonso. However, he made his intentions known to <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/liverpool-looks-to-plan-b-as-alonso-announces-leverkusen-stay">remain with German club Bayer Leverkusen</a> this week.



Under the Spanish coach’s tutelage, they are within striking distance of the Bundesliga championship. Thus, the Reds will have to <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/neither-alonso-nor-de-zerbi-liverpool-target-surprise-top-name-20240203-WST-487372.html">seek elsewhere to replace Klopp</a> when the current season comes to a close.



Once Michael Edward returns, he and the newly appointed sports director Richard Hughes will turn their attention to the remaining targets on their list. Over the weekend, the 39-year-old <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/who-is-ruben-amorim-the-candidate-for-the-liverpool-job/">Amorim</a> has become the clear frontrunner to sit next at the red-hot Reds seat.



<h2>What did Amorim said about Liverpool interest?</h2>



In order to woo Amorim away from Sporting, Liverpool would reportedly need to pay a <a href="https:\/\/www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/03/29/xabi-alonso-liverpool-snub-decides-stay-bayer-leverkusen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">staggering sum of over $21 million</a>. It’s a sum that would set a new record in Portugal.



During his four years as coach in Lisbon, the Portuguese boss has won three major championships with the club. Their 2-1 victory against Estrela Amadora puts them in position to capture a second Portuguese crown.



The win on Friday propelled them to the top of the Primeira Liga, passing Benfica in the process. After the game, reporters wanted to know whether Amorim was interested in taking over as manager of Liverpool.



Despite acknowledging interest, the former midfielder said he is content with the Green and Whites. “Right now, I’m focused on Sporting. I’m very proud to be Sporting’s coach”, he told Portuguese newspaper&nbsp;<a href="https:\/\/www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/sporting/detalhe/amorim-nao-pensa-no-liverpool-o-foco-esta-em-ganhar-ao-benfica?ref=HP_DestaquesPrincipais">Reco</a><a href="https:\/\/www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/sporting/detalhe/amorim-nao-pensa-no-liverpool-o-foco-esta-em-ganhar-ao-benfica?ref=HP_DestaquesPrincipais" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">r</a><a href="https:\/\/www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/sporting/detalhe/amorim-nao-pensa-no-liverpool-o-foco-esta-em-ganhar-ao-benfica?ref=HP_DestaquesPrincipais">d</a>.



“We’re focused on winning titles. You’ll see in the end. I have a contract and I’m very happy here. That’s the most important thing, more than contracts, I’m very happy here. The focus is on beating Benfica in the Portuguese Cup.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="435" height="349" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240331_WST_498479_Screenshot-2024-03-31-170518_fb2e4b58.webp&amp;width=435&amp;height=349" alt="" class="wp-image-498518" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-31-170518.png 435w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-31-170518-300x241.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 435px) 100vw, 435px"></figure><figcaption>Speculation on who will replace Klopp is ramping up</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Liverpool move closer than believed?</h2>



Indeed, the confirmation of Ruben Amorim’s appointment as Jurgen Klopp’s successor is imminent, as it is inevitable in the managerial realm. Fulham star Joao Palhinha, who spent two years under Amorim, claims as much.



“Ruben is a coach with a lot of quality, one of the best in Portugal. He has done an excellent job since Braga”, he told <a href="https:\/\/www.ojogo.pt/3201201602/palhinha-gyokeres-estavam-todos-um-bocadinho-a-dormir/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">O Jogo</a>. “He has in-depth knowledge of the game and has a close relationship with the players.



“The way he is growing, he won’t stay in Portugal much longer. It will not be for lack of opportunities that he will not leave Portugal. He dreams and aims to win another title with Sporting and then the future will be in his hands. Yes, of course, although the pressure is different.



“When you coach a big Portuguese club, you have pressure from the fans and the size of the club itself, which forces you to win. When you coach Liverpool, you have pressure from the fans, the club and the whole world. The way it is developing, I think it will be a matter of time.”



Photo credit: IMAGO / Atlantico Press

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
It’s with a heavy heart that I start this posting, as the sad news that Sir Bobby Robson has finally lost his fight with cancer after a 13 year battle with the disease. Sir Bobby’s last public appearance was at the charity match for his foundation on Sunday, and it was heartbreaking yet wonderful to see him receive the adulation of his beloved Geordie fans one last time.
Robson was the most successful English manager of the last 50 years, of that there is no argument, both at home in England and with various stints in Spain, Portugal and Holland. A true gentleman, his warmth, generosity and love of the game touched everyone that he came in contact with throughout his long and distinguished career.&nbsp; Whilst Clough had success at Forest in his early days, he never built on his early success at Derby County or Nottingham Forest, save for a League Cup win in 1988. Robson won trophies in 4 countries and took his country to a World Cup semi final over a 10 year period.

<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignright" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20090731_WST_9746_bobbyrobson.webp&amp;width=349&amp;height=500" alt="" width="349" height="500"></figure></div>A successful footballer, Robson was a deep lying centre forward, similar to the role that Teddy Sheringham would later distinguish with such panache. He started his career at Fulham, but as with Sir Tom Finney, his father made him concentrate on a proper trade, becoming an apprentice electrian whilst still training with Fulham. In the two spells he spent at Craven Cottage, Robson made 344 appearances and scored 77 goals. The spells at Fulham bracketed a 6 year spell with West Bromwich Albion, where he appeared 239 times and hit 56 goals.&nbsp; He also regularly appeared for England, earning 20 caps and getting 4 goals between 1957 – 1962.
Yet, Robson’s playing career would be eclipsed by his success as a manager, though it didn’t get off to the best start. Returning after a spell in Canada, playing for the Vancouver Royals, Robson joined Fulham for a third time as manager in 1968.&nbsp; Robson took over a struggling side and was unable to keep them in the First Division. The&nbsp;following season, with Fulham in 8th, he discovered he had been sacked on a “Robson Sacked” placard outside Putney tube station.
&nbsp;It was to&nbsp;be&nbsp;his next place of employment that would set Robson on the path to greatness,;he took over at Ipswich Town in 1969. Staying for a total of 13 years, in his last 9 seasons at Portman Road, Ipswich only finished lower than 6th once. This achievement could not be understated, surrounded by the giants of Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa, Ipswich were punching well above their weight. He consistently delivered European Football and under his guidance the club won the F.A. Cup in 1978 and the U.E.F.A. Cup in 1981.
It was clear that he had a job for life at Ipswich Town and his success as bringing players through the youth system was a testament to his skill as a spotter of players. In the 13 years he was the manager, he only signed 14 players, an incredible figure that showed the qualities the scouting network and youth system delivered.
<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>In 1982, Ron Greenwood announced he would leave the England job and the F.A made Robson their preferred choice. The F.A’s dislike of Brian Clough meant the role was Robson’s to lose and even a last minute offer of a ten year contract at Ipswich couldn’t change his mind.
He took over in June 1982 and would spend 8 years in charge of his country. There were low points of course along the way, failure to qualify for Euro 84 and the teams woeful performance in Euro 88 but the success of getting England to Quarter Finals of the World Cup in 1986, and within a post width of a rematch in the final of Italia 90 saw Robson deliver the best showing by an England side in a World Cup since 1966.
Robson’s final two years in the England job saw him recieve unbelievably negative press, consistently being urged to quit. When the F.A. decided to remove him in 1990, I wonder just how long in Graham Taylor’s reign they’d realised what a mistake they’d made? Robson left with the success of Italia 90 still ringing in his ears and embarked on a 9 year managerial campaign in Europe. Taking over at PSV Eindhoven, he won the title in his first two seasons, but the PSV board wanted more success in Europe and Robson was removed in the summer of 1992. He then moved to Portugal and Sporting Lisbon, meeting a young interpreter by the name of Jose Mourinho.The two then moved to Porto and Barcelona. In 1999, Robson eventually got the job he’d always wanted, when he became the manager of Newcastle United.
Robson’s battle with cancer began in 1991 and he has fought 5 separate bouts of the disease in the last 18 years. He was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2007, but still struggling to recover from a stroke caused by a brain tumour in 2006, it was one last fight too far.&nbsp; Setting <a href="http:\/\/www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk/" target="_blank">up his foundation</a>, it has so far raised over £1.5 million in 18 months, I hope that figure will rise in the next few weeks.
So farewell Sir Bobby. I will miss you; you were a lovely man, kind, warm, generous and gave me some wonderful times as an England fan. Football is a lesser sport&nbsp;with your loss.
“My condition is described as static and has not altered since my last bout of chemotherapy; I am going to die sooner rather than later. But then everyone has to go sometime and I have enjoyed every minute.” Sir Bobby Robson
“As a trainer without doubt&nbsp;Robson is one of the greatest in the world” Ronaldo
“He was like a father to me, I’ll never forget the love he showed me” Paul Gascoigne

Farewell Sir Bobby Robson 1933-2009 - World Soccer Talk

Farewell Sir Bobby Robson 1933-2009

From humble beginnings, Cristiano Ronaldo has become to be regarded by many as the best footballer in the world.
He was born Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro on February 5th, 1985. Cristiano was the youngest of four children. His mother Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro was a cook and his father José Dinis Aveiro, a gardener. The family lived in a dilapidated shack in the working class district of Funchal in Madeira. The name Ronaldo came about because the young boy’s father was a big fan of actor, later to be become President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan.
As a boy Cristiano Ronaldo supported Benfica who were the arch-rivals of the team he later played for. He was absolutely obsessed with football and even played and practiced with fruit if there was no football available. He would sometimes lie about his homework just to play football a bit longer.
Ronaldo’s first club was an amateur side Andorinha. His father was kit man for the club. Ronaldo’s determination to succeed was such that he would sometimes burst into tears if he misplaced a pass or gave the ball away. However, his talent was immediately apparent, and two local professional clubs, CS Maritimo and CD Nacional were eager to sign the ten year old Ronaldo. He spent two years with Nacional helping them win the title in his second season. It was then that Sporting Lisbon offered the young Ronaldo a trial. This meant that the young footballer had to live away from his parents as he had to go and stay in Lisbon. However he wanted to experience better coaching and develop as a player with a bigger club.
Sporting Lisbon have some of the world’s best facilities for young players. Here Ronaldo thrived and managed to impress his fellow players with his skills. At the end of one game his teammates swarmed round to congratulate the talented player, such was his impact on the game. He was often teased because of his Madeiran accent, but it only served to make him stand up for himself. Jose Mourinho watched Ronaldo play for Sporting Lisbon’s youth team and was amazed at his skill, and speed and his technique.
It was here that he started to perfect his trademark ‘stepover’ trick. In one season Ronaldo developed through the Under 16s, Under 17s, Under 18s, B-team and then first team, such was the speed that he was developing at. He scored three times in twenty five games during his first two seasons. However, his main chance came during a friendly against Manchester United. He terrorized United’s players down the wing to such an extent that at half time United’s players were asking Sir Alex Ferguson to sign him. This happened soon after and Cristiano Ronaldo was on a journey that would see him crowned FIFA 2008 World Player of the Year. For the latest football news go to <a href="http://blogsfc.com/">premier league football news</a>.

The Story Of Cristiano Ronaldo Before Man United - World Soccer Talk

The Story Of Cristiano Ronaldo Before Man United

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
The group stage of the Champions League begins today with several intriguing matches as well as the return of Chelsea and Liverpool to continental football.
Be sure to set your DVRs for the following matches on TV today in the United States (all times eastern).
<ul>
<li>Bordeaux vs. Chelsea: 2:30pm ESPN2/ESPN360.com</li>
<li>Sporting Lisbon vs. Barcelona: 2:30pm- ESPN Deportes and 5pm ESPN Classic</li>
<li>Marseille vs. Liverpool: 2:30pm Setanta (replayed at 7:15pm Setanta).</li>
<li>PSV Eindhoven vs. Atletico Madrid: 5pm ESPN Deportes</li>
<li>Panathanaikos vs. Inter Milan: 5:35pm Setanta, and 7:30pm ESPN Deportes</li>
</ul>
If you’ll be watching – or have watched – today’s matches, please share your thoughts, insight, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below.
In the meantime, be sure to visit our sister site Champions League Talk for previews of <a href="http:\/\/www.championsleaguetalk.com/champions-league-group-c-preview/283" target="_blank">Group C</a>, <a href="http:\/\/www.championsleaguetalk.com/champions-league-group-b-preview/276" target="_blank">Group B</a> and <a href="http:\/\/www.championsleaguetalk.com/champions-league-group-a-preview/267" target="_blank">Group A</a>, as well as how <a href="http:\/\/www.championsleaguetalk.com/a-sporting-chance-to-win-group-c/289" target="_blank">Sporting Lisbon could cause an upset</a> today against Barcelona.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Sporting Lisbon"

News

Amorim apologizes for poorly-timed West Ham talks: What now?

News

Amorim speaks out on Liverpool interest after Alonso's decision

News

Amorim speaks out on Liverpool interest after Alonso's decision

General

Farewell Sir Bobby Robson 1933-2009

General

The Story Of Cristiano Ronaldo Before Man United

General

Champions League: Your Running Commentary