"If I have to go, I will" - Chelsea and Tottenham managerial candidate speaks out on Premier League links
Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has spoken about his future after being linked with the Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur managerial jobs.
Both London clubs are searching for new managers after sacking Graham Potter and Antonio Conte respectively. Amorim's name has come up as a potential option for both Premier League giants.
Potter was sacked by Chelsea after a 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa left them in 11th place in the standings. Meanwhile, Conte was dismissed by Tottenham after a 3-3 draw with Southampton last month, in which he slammed the Lilywhites for a lack of ambition.
Amorim has commented on a potential move to the Premier League by saying that he doesn't want to leave Sporting. He said (via GOAL) that he's happy at the Primeira Liga club at the moment:
"I really like being here. I’ve seen many coaches move to other championships, and they weren’t happier. ... I’m not looking for anything, I value what I have and not what is said. I’ve had contact with other clubs; Sporting knows, but I want to stay."
The Portuguese coach insisted that he will only leave Sporting if he's forced to:
"If I have to go, I will. If I want to go, I tell the president, Hugo Viana, and I will, but I already said: I want to fulfill the contract. I have very clear objectives for what I want to do. Anyone who wants me will have to pay the clause because that’s my way of doing things."
Amorim has overseen an impressive reign at Jose Alvalade, where he led Sporting to their first title in 18 years in 2021.
Leoes sit fourth in the league currently and are in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals, where they face Serie A giants Juventus. They advanced from the last 16 with an impressive win over Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Chelsea and Tottenham set to battle Manchester City for Theo Hernandez
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City are in a race to sign AC Milan left-back Hernandez. The Frenchman has been impressive at the San Siro this season, scoring three goals and contributing five assists in 33 games across competitions.
Milan reportedly value Hernandez, 25, at €60 million, and the Premier League trio are all interested. Chelsea may look to give Ben Chilwell competition, as Marc Cucurella has struggled since arriving last summer.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have Ivan Perisic in their ranks, but at 34, the Croatian isn't getting any younger. City allowed Joao Cancelo to join Bayern Munich on loan with a €70 million buy option. It seems unlikely he will return after falling out with manager Pep Guardiola.