Ruben Amorim has responded to speculation suggesting that he could be the successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Guardiola’s current contract with Man City is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season, and the Spanish tactician has yet to agree to an extension.
This has left questions surrounding his future with the reigning Premier League champions.
Amorim, who has enjoyed considerable success with Sporting CP, is reportedly one of the top contenders to replace Guardiola if the former Barcelona boss chooses to seek a new challenge after nearly a decade in charge at the Etihad.
Adding fuel to the speculation is the impending move of Sporting’s current director of football, Hugo Viana, to City.
Viana is set to replace Txiki Begiristain as Manchester City’s sporting director next year.
The prospect of a reunion between Viana and Amorim, who worked closely together in Portugal, has intensified rumors about the managerial position at City.
In an interview with Cabine Desportiva, Amorim brushed aside the swirling rumours and said: “Hugo Viana and me, we have different and separate paths.
“His appointment doesn’t mean that I’m going to Man City. We have a very good professional relationship.”
Interestingly, Sporting and Manchester City are set to face each other in the Champions League next month.
Ruben Amorim noted that Viana would step back from any involvement with the Sporting squad during that week to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
“Nothing about Sporting has changed. Nothing. Everything remains the same until the end of the season,” he informed.
“Obviously, Viana, during City’s week, won’t be available to enter the dressing room. I’m going to leave him out, to avoid conflicts.
“Otherwise, everything will stay the same until the end of the season.”
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