If you follow European football, you’ve probably heard the name Ruben Amorim a lot lately. The 38‑year‑old Portuguese coach has turned Sporting CP into a side that can win games and look good doing it. In the last few months he’s also been mentioned in big‑stage tournaments like the Summer Series in the US, where his comments made headlines.
Amorim grew up playing midfield, so he knows what a player needs on the pitch. That background shows in his training sessions – lots of quick‑pass drills, pressing from the front and giving younger players a real chance to start. Fans love the way his teams keep the ball moving and never sit back.
First off, he likes high pressing. When Sporting loses the ball, the whole unit rushes to win it back in under five seconds. That forces opponents into mistakes and creates scoring chances early. Second, he focuses on possession but not just holding the ball – he wants to cut through the middle with quick combos. Think of it as a chess game where every move opens a new line.
Third, he trusts his academy. Players like Gonçalo Inácio and Pedro Gonçalves got their big breaks under Amorim and now they’re key starters. This mix of youth energy and experienced heads makes his squads feel fresh every season.
During the 2024‑25 Summer Series in Atlanta, Sporting’s U.S. tour was called “perfect” by Amorim himself. He praised the team’s fitness levels and the fans’ energy. The match against Manchester United ended 2‑2, and while the headline was about Bruno Fernandes, Amorim’s calm post‑match interview showed his focus on long‑term growth.
In the Portuguese league, Amorim’s side topped the table for most of the season, thanks to a solid defense and an aggressive attack that scored over 70 goals. His tactical tweaks – like switching to a 3‑4‑3 formation against bigger clubs – often surprised opponents and earned valuable points.
Looking ahead, rumours link Amorim with a few top‑flight jobs in England and Spain. Yet he’s hinted he wants to stay at Sporting long enough to win a Champions League quarter‑final. For now, his priority is building a squad that can dominate domestically and make a splash in Europe.
So whether you’re a Sporting fan, a coach looking for ideas, or just a football lover, keeping an eye on Ruben Amorim is worth it. He’s still young, still learning, and his next move could shape the next wave of Portuguese football.