Jose Mourinho has endorsed West Ham managerial candidate Ruben Amorim to succeed in “any” league.
The Sporting Lisbon manager travelled to London last month for discussions with the Hammers about potentially replacing David Moyes this summer. The entire episode seemed somewhat theatrical, and whilst it’s likely Amorim met with West Ham officials, I believe it was a strategic move to provoke interest from other clubs like Liverpool.
No final decision has been made on Moyes’ future, but it appears increasingly probable that he will leave the club upon the expiration of his contract.
The Irons have also engaged in talks with former Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui, who has reportedly stayed in England following his exit from Wolves at the start of this season.
Lille’s Paulo Fonseca and former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick are also on the club’s radar, although Lopetegui is considered the frontrunner for the job. While Amorim has dismissed comparisons with Mourinho, calling himself the ‘next Mourinho,’ the renowned ‘Special One’ has expressed strong support for his compatriot.
“It’s also a question I shouldn’t answer, but what can I tell you? I like him as a person, I like him as a coach,” Mourinho said.
“I think he’s capable of coaching in any league and at any club. But he’s in a good league and at a great club. It’s his decision, and it will ultimately be up to the clubs that want him or don’t want him, or want to convince him with more or less convincing arguments. What’s clear to me is that I like the person and the coach.”
It is understood that Mourinho himself was suggested by representatives for David Moyes’ job, but there was no interest from West Ham owner David Sullivan.