David Ornstein’s coverage of Chelsea’s chase of a new manager was updated today with news that the Blues have reached a “middle stage” where managers are starting to be eliminated.
He notes Sporting CP manger Ruben Amorim as one of those names.
Ornstein’s explanation is that Amorim is “happy” in Portugal, which we have no doubt is true, but that doesn’t quite explain why he hasn’t been picked. If he was so happy that he didn’t want to leave, he never would have done the interview.
Instead, it’s likely a combination of factors. The compensation we would have to pay to Sporting is likely part of it, given how much was spent on Graham Potter and his staff. There’s also the sense that Amorim’s star is fading a little after a couple of down seasons. There’s no doubt he remains one of Europe’s top young coaches, but the temptation to pay €40m for him has certainly dropped off a little.
