'My suspicion': Jamie Carragher shares theory over why Liverpool chose not to hire Ruben Amorim
Today at 08:00 AM
Liverpool thought long and hard before deciding who should replace Jurgen Klopp this summer.
In fairness to Klopp, he gave the Reds plenty of time to do their due diligence having announced his intention to leave back in January.
But still, replacing such a legendary figure at Anfield was going to be a big ask.
Looking at the options that were available at the time, it is still possibly a slight surprise that Liverpool chose to hire Arne Slot.
The Liverpool owners had a clear direction that they wanted to go in, though, and were convinced that Slot was the right man. It is still early days, but the signs are that it was a terrific decision.
Another man who seemingly came into their thinking was Ruben Amorim. But as Amorim stands on the verge of joining Manchester United, Jamie Carragher has offered up a theory as to why Liverpool went with Slot instead.
Jamie Carragher shares Ruben Amorim theory
Amorim looks like a smart appointment for United. The 39-year-old is undoubtedly one of the most impressive young managers in the game right now.
As a result many Liverpool fans were excited about the prospect of the former Portugal international taking over at Anfield.
Talks were reportedly held about bringing Amorim to Liverpool but it supposedly never went further than that.
And despite the Sporting boss having the edge over Slot when it comes top level management experience and also winning trophies, it seems as though the Dutchman was Liverpool’s top choice.
READ MORE: What really happened with Liverpool and Man United manager-in-waiting Ruben Amorim
Writing for The Telegraph, Carragher has put forward an potential explanation for why his old club overlooked Amorim.
“My suspicion is that one of the reasons Liverpool favoured Slot over Amorim last summer is because the Dutchman prefers the more traditional four at the back,” says the former centre-back.
“So the transition was easier for the squad he inherited. Under Jurgen Klopp, the style of the first team is mirrored down to academy level to ensure those who make the step up are familiar with the playing patterns.”
Did Liverpool make the right decision?
Looking at the results Slot has had at Liverpool so far, and it’s impossible to say that anyone could have done a better job.
Put Pep Guardiola in charge of the Reds and he probably wouldn’t have been able to improve on what we’ve seen from Slot.
As a result, while Amorim may yet go on to make a similar impact at United, Liverpool clearly made the right decision this summer.
His appointment at Old Trafford likely makes it impossible for Amorim to manage the Reds in the future.
So, although Liverpool fans were at one time urging him to come and join them, he’ll now be seen as public enemy number one.
