Ruben Amorim insists Hugo Viana’s decision to swap Sporting CP for Manchester City does not mean he will do the same.
The uncertainty around Pep Guardiola’s future at City – he is out of contract at the end of the season, not to mention the potential repercussions if the club is found guilty of alleged breaches of financial fair play regulations – means talk of a new man at the helm at the Etihad has continued to rumble in recent weeks.
Amorim is regarded as one of the best young coaches in Europe and was brought to Sporting by Viana four and a half years ago, subsequently leading them to two Primeira Liga titles.
Novo dia de trabalho na Academia Cristiano Ronaldo 💪 pic.twitter.com/p87uvVZyJE
— Sporting CP (@SportingCP) October 16, 2024
It was confirmed last weekend that Viana will replace Txiki Begiristain as City’s sporting director at the end of the season.
Asked about reports linking him with the four-time defending Premier League champions, Amorim said today: “Me go to City? These are just rumours. Viana will always be a great friend but, one day, our professional paths will be different. One thing does not necessarily lead to another.
“I can’t control what you are going to say, or ask. What I can control is the answers I give and the only thing that has changed is that Hugo Viana will leave at the end of the season. Everything else stays the same.
“The way of Viana is the way of Viana, mine is mine. We have a professional relationship that will not be maintained forever, but our friendship will.”
Stay out of the dressing room Hugo!!
Sporting face City in the Champions League next month and Amorim joked Viana would not be allowed to get too close to the players in the build-up.
“Obviously, in that week, Viana won’t be able to go in the dressing room,” he said with a smile.
“I will leave him out so as not to create conflicts.”
Sporting are top of the Primeira Liga having won all eight of their games this season.
