Next Liverpool manager: Comparing Ruben Amorim’s record with Xabi Alonso
With Xabi Alonso set to remain at Bayer Leverkusen for the time being, Liverpool have made Ruben Amorim their new number-one target to replace Jurgen Klopp – but how do their records compare?
It’s no secret that Liverpool have been pushing to bring Xabi Alonso to Anfield, but following weeks of speculation, the Spanish boss now looks set to stay put in Germany.
“I am convinced it is the right decision, I am happy,” Alonso told reporters when the news broke of his decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.
“We have had a lot of speculation regarding my future,” he said. “Until now we have had so many games, been pretty busy and focused, and I wanted to reflect during the international break and take a decision.
“The players gave me so many reasons to keep believing in the team – for their commitment, for their desire, for their hunger to have a great season. My job is not over here.”
With a move for Alonso now seemingly out of reach, Liverpool have turned to Sporting boss Amorim, who is now the red-hot favourite for the Liverpool hot-seat.
In regards to Amorim, it’s no surprise that teams like Liverpool are starting to take interest. The 39-year-old boss has done a tremendous job at Sporting CP and he’s already got his hands on some silverware.
He managed to win the Primeira Liga during his first full season as Sporting CP boss and he’s also won two Taca da Liga trophies and one Supertaca Candido de Oliveira.
With Sporting CP currently sat top of the Primeira Liga, there’s every chance that Amorim will add to his trophy collection between now and the end of the season.
Liverpool will also be pleased to know that there’s a £12.8m release clause within Amorim’s contract at Sporting CP. This could give the Reds a clear shot at landing their new number-one target.
While the prospect of Alonso managing in the Premier League was hugely exciting, the idea of Amorim taking over at Anfield is just as compelling.
We’ve taken a closer look at both managers’ credentials from their careers so far and have stacked them up against one another.
Ruben Amorim’s managerial record
Games: 235
Won: 166
Drawn: 34
Lost: 35
Win percentage: 70.6%
Loss percentage: 14.9%
Goals per game: 2.14
Goals against per game: 0.86
Points per game: 2.26
Xabi Alonso’s managerial record
Games: 174
Won: 91
Drawn: 38
Lost: 45
Win percentage: 52.3%
Loss percentage: 25.9%
Goals per game: 1.8
Goals against per game: 1.13
Points per game: 1.78
Despite the Portuguese top-flight not being considered a top five league in Europe by UEFA, it’s difficult not to be seriously impressed by Amorim’s record, especially given the quality that exists within the league and the fact they also play European football.
Alonso has impressed massively in a short space of time in what many will consider a league which is much closer to the Premier League in terms of quality, but Amorim’s experience and outrageous win percentage so soon into his career is rather telling.
The Portuguese boss is no slouch. And although Liverpool are going to struggle to replace Klopp no matter who they appoint to replace the mighty German, prying Amorim away from Sporting CP with Alonso now staying put at Leverkusen for at least another season would be far from a bad thing.
The numbers don’t lie, and while both managers have impressed in their own way, the slightly more experienced Amorim provides a lot to be excited about.
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