Amorim’s 3-4-3 vs Klopp’s Legacy: Why Liverpool Passed, Paving Way for Manchester United Move
Liverpool's decision not to hire Ruben Amorim, due to tactical differences, has paved the way for him to become a top contender for Manchester United's managerial position. Following Erik ten Hag's dismissal after a string of poor performances, Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed as the temporary manager while the club searches for a permanent replacement. Ruben Amorim, who currently leads Sporting CP with an unbeaten league record this season, is now being considered by Manchester United following Liverpool's earlier rejection based on tactical disagreements. Erik ten Hag was let go from his position at Old Trafford, and while Ruud van Nistelrooy takes the helm temporarily, the club is actively pursuing Ruben Amorim as their top target for the managerial role. Liverpool had shown interest in Amorim after Jurgen Klopp's departure, but discussions fell through due to financial and tactical disagreements, leading them to choose Arne Slot instead. Amorim's flexible 3-4-3 formation, capable of transforming into various other setups, is central to his coaching philosophy and aligns with some of Europe's top teams, including Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen. While Amorim's tactics can adapt to opponents, as seen in matches against Tottenham and Arsenal, Liverpool valued their established style under Klopp and opted not to change it. Klopp's 4-3-3 formation was deeply ingrained at Anfield, and with Amorim unwilling to shift from his possession-based, wide-play style, a change did not seem feasible. ESPN reported that Amorim was not chosen not only for his tactical stance but also due to the release clause and the early reporting of his interest by The Athletic, which upset Liverpool. Slot, with a formation more akin to Liverpool's style, was the preferred choice, and it has proven successful so far, with the team performing well in both domestic and European competitions. As Amorim is now Manchester United's top candidate, his appointment would signify a significant shift in playing style compared to Ten Hag's approach. Ten Hag's 4-2-3-1 formation, often shifting to a 4-4-2 diamond, is markedly different from what Amorim might introduce, and United should take heed of Liverpool's experience in their managerial search. Liverpool chose a manager who would continue their proven system, whereas Amorim's philosophy is a departure from what United has known recently, potentially leading to initial challenges. The Red Devils need to make the right choice, and the outcome of Liverpool's decision to pass on Amorim will reveal whether his strategy could succeed at Old Trafford.
The 24 Hours That Decided It: How Rodri’s Ballon d’Or Victory Unfolded in Paris
The pivotal 24-hour period in Paris that led to Rodri being awarded the Ballon d'Or. Gossip started to spread on Sunday evening that Florentino Pérez might opt out of the trip to Paris. "For the first time this year, the victor will not have their photo taken or be interviewed in advance," France Football had communicated to the Ballon d'Or nominees since the shortlist was revealed in September. The intention behind this change was to discourage any potential winners from declining their invitations to the ceremony, a scenario that had played out before with high-profile players like Messi and Ronaldo. Consequently, all nominees were aware that the identity of the winner would remain undisclosed until the actual moment of the prize reveal. Moreover, as AS reported, Nike, the sportswear giant backing the two frontrunners, Vinicius and Rodri, had prepared golden boots for both, showing their neutrality amidst the unpredictability of the result. The rumors started on Sunday night Rodri, who would later be crowned the winner, attended the ceremony with his family and staff, irrespective of the outcome. His travel arrangements remained consistent: he touched down in Paris on Monday around noon, checked into a renowned hotel, and approached the ceremony with the aspiration of claiming the accolade. On Sunday night, there were last-minute whispers that Florentino Pérez would not be making the journey to Paris. No clear rationale was provided for this decision, beyond conjecture that Vinicius might not be the one taking home the honor. Although Rodri was not the presumed favorite, he began to entertain the possibility of winning. This was more speculation than fact: if Madrid's president was absent and none of their players were honored, Rodri could potentially become the leading candidate. On Monday morning, two leaked lists made their way onto social media, one suggesting Rodri as the winner and the other suggesting Vinicius. This only added to the existing speculation and uncertainty. The final hint came from the airports: while Rodri arrived in Paris without any issues, Madrid decided against traveling, indicating a lack of confidence in their prospects. Throughout the day at the Théâtre du Châtelet, there was lingering doubt. Rodri was careful not to get his hopes up, even though many thought he was a shoo-in for the win. He was kept in the dark; there was no official notification to him or his team about their status as winners prior to the ceremony, so he sat in anticipation, waiting for the announcement. France Football's new approach created an air of tension and made the past 24 hours surrounding the Ballon d'Or the most unpredictable in recent history. In the end, Rodri was declared the winner, while Madrid stayed home, doubting their chances of success. However, the votes were tallied, and the outcome was clear: the trophy was destined for the Spaniard.
Arne Slot, Liverpool's head coach, has commented on the dismissal of Erik ten Hag from Manchester United. Ten Hag was let go by the club on Monday, following a poor start to the season that saw United in 14th place in the Premier League and without a European win.
Liverpool's top coach Arne Slot has shared his insights on Erik ten Hag's departure from Manchester United. Ten Hag was released from his duties on Monday, after just over two years leading the team, due to an underwhelming start to the season, leaving United struggling in the league and winless in European competition. Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot has shared his insights on Erik ten Hag's departure from Manchester United. Ten Hag was released from his duties on Monday, after just over two years leading the team, due to an underwhelming start to the season, leaving United struggling in the league and winless in European competition. Slot, who joined Liverpool this summer, contributed to Ten Hag's troubles by leading his team to a 3-0 victory against United at Old Trafford last month. Despite the rivalry, Slot has expressed empathy for Ten Hag and believes his fellow Dutchman will make a comeback. 'Being Dutch makes this even more difficult for me, for us Dutch people,' Slot said during a press conference before Liverpool's Carabao Cup match against Brighton on Wednesday. 'Our initial thoughts are with the individual. We're all in this profession, so we understand the risks, but when it happens, especially to someone I know slightly and recognize the effort he puts in, it's unfortunate to hear this news about him. 'We also know, especially from the Netherlands, his successful tenure at Ajax and his two trophies here, so we expect to see him at a big club again soon. For now, it's a significant disappointment for him and his family.' Before joining Anfield, Ten Hag seemed to criticize Slot in May when he belittled Feyenoord's achievements last season. Feyenoord finished seven points behind champions PSV Eindhoven, and Ten Hag told Voetbal International: 'Feyenoord was consistent this year, but not top-tier. PSV Eindhoven was superior in every aspect. In terms of ball control, pressure, intensity, you name it.' He added: 'PSV Eindhoven was far ahead of the rest, even much better than Feyenoord.' However, Slot exacted his revenge earlier this season as Liverpool easily defeated United, and he has now outlasted Ten Hag in England. United has been quick to search for Ten Hag's successor, with the club nearing a decision to hire Sporting Lisbon's manager Ruben Amorim. Meanwhile, Ten Hag has returned to the Netherlands, where he plans to spend time with his family after his release from United.
Arteta Backs Jesus Amid Transfer Links: Arsenal Refuses to Discuss Palmeiras Proposal
Arsenal has dismissed a transfer bid from Palmeiras for their player Gabriel Jesus, declaring the matter as non-negotiable. Despite Jesus not having scored in his 11 games this season and only playing a full match once, he remains a valued member of the team under manager Mikel Arteta. Arsenal has turned down a transfer proposal from Brazilian club Palmeiras for Gabriel Jesus. Despite his lack of goals and limited playing time, Jesus is still considered integral by Arteta, who has demoted him to a substitute role in the Premier League. However, there has been much conjecture about his future, with some suggesting Arsenal might be open to selling if their price of approximately £33.4m is met. Jesus is contracted with Arsenal until June 2027, and he shows a willingness to stay and compete for his position as the team pursues the Premier League title. The mutual sentiment was evident in statements from Palmeiras' president Leila Pereira, who had hoped to bring Jesus back to his former club. “Gabriel Jesus will not be joining us,” Pereira stated to ESPN. “We contacted Arsenal, and they responded, ‘Leila, there are no conditions. We will not discuss the player.’ "The subject is closed.” Jesus began his career at Palmeiras, playing there for two years before moving to Manchester City in 2017. He won multiple titles with City before Arsenal paid £45m to sign him in 2022. The Brazilian forward had a promising first season, but scored only eight goals in 2023/24, and a pre-season injury set back his start to the current season. His only full match was a 5-1 victory over Bolton in the Carabao Cup, yet more opportunities are expected, with a match against Preston upcoming. "He returned in great shape, probably the best he's been since joining us," Arteta commented. "He was performing well in pre-season, but unfortunately, he suffered an injury that affected him for several weeks. "He has worked hard to recover and now needs to regain his rhythm. He's played a few games, started consecutive matches against Atalanta and Bolton, and came on against Southampton. "So, he's here. Now it's up to him to prove he deserves more playing time. He has our full support, is capable of playing in various positions, and is indeed a crucial player for us."
Vinicius Jr.'s Team Suggests Anti-Racism Advocacy Contributed to Ballon d'Or Loss
According to sources close to Vinicius Jr., the Brazilian winger for Real Madrid believes his efforts to combat racism may have been a factor in not securing the Ballon d'Or title. Vinicius Jr.'s Team Suggests Anti-Racism Advocacy Contributed to Ballon d'Or Loss MADRID, Oct 28 (Reuters) - Vinicius Jr., the forward for Brazil and Real Madrid, declared on Monday that he would persist in his fight against racism, regardless of whether it influenced the outcome of the Ballon d'Or, as reported by insiders to Reuters. After being ranked second in the esteemed award voting, behind Spain and Manchester City's midfielder Rodri, Vinicius voiced his thoughts on social media. "I'd do it 10 times over. They're not prepared," was Vinicius's statement on social platform X, following Real Madrid's decision to forego attending the ceremony in Paris, in anticipation of him not receiving the men's award. When questioned about the meaning behind his post, Vinicius's representatives explained to Reuters that it pertained to his battle against racism and that they suspect this advocacy was the reason for not winning the award, adding that "the football community is not yet ready to embrace a player who stands against the establishment." The 24-year-old Brazilian international has faced racial discrimination multiple times in Spain, resulting in at least two convictions for racist remarks in landmark cases within the nation. Real Madrid also secured the men’s club of the year accolade, and their manager Carlo Ancelotti was honored as men’s coach of the year, following their success in winning both the European and Spanish league titles in an almost flawless season last year. France Football, the organizer of the Ballon d'Or awards, could not be reached for immediate comment. The awards are determined by a panel of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations casting their votes. "FOOTBALL POLITICS X. My brother, you are the best player in the world, and no trophy can change that. Love you, bro," Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga expressed on social platform X, with numerous teammates also posting messages and photos of Vinicius, affirming, "You are the best". "I waited the whole year for Vini Jr to be rightfully acknowledged as the world's best player, and now they tell me the Ballon d'Or isn't for him?" questioned Brazilian football legend Marta in an Instagram video. Vinicius played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's Champions League-LaLiga double, alongside 21-year-old Jude Bellingham, who scored 19 goals in an impressive debut season and helped England reach the Euro 2024 final, placing third in the Ballon d'Or rankings.
Pep Guardiola Respects Real Madrid's Absence from Ballon d'Or Gala
Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, respects Real Madrid's choice to abstain from the Ballon d'Or event, stating that it's their prerogative. Rodri was honored with the prestigious award in Paris, acknowledging his contributions to Manchester City's historic fourth consecutive Premier League triumph and his role in Spain's triumph at Euro 2024. Pep Guardiola acknowledges Real Madrid's decision not to attend the Ballon d'Or event, asserting that it's their right to do so. Rodri claimed the prestigious award in Paris, recognized for his instrumental role in Manchester City's record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title and his part in Spain's Euro 2024 win. The midfielder's significance is underscored by Manchester City's unbeaten streak in the 34 Premier League matches he played in this year. Rodri narrowly edged out Vinicius Junior for the honor, with the player and his club causing a stir by not showing up after learning he wouldn't be the winner. Last season, the Madrid winger scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists, contributing to the team's double win in LaLiga and the Champions League. Guardiola expresses sympathy for Vinicius, whom he believes also merited the award, and points out other close calls in past years where the outcome could have swung either way. "It's their decision," Manchester City's boss remarked. "If they choose to congratulate, that's acceptable. If not, that's fine too. We at Manchester City don't judge other clubs on their choices." "Last year, Erling [Haaland] achieved the Treble and scored over 50 goals. I told him: 'Just being nominated is a joy.' I conveyed the same sentiment to Rodri. Being among the top contenders is remarkable. You should be very proud." "Last season, could Erling have won? Certainly. Could Messi have won? Absolutely. It's not about who wins. It signifies that you and your teammates have achieved something special that season." "Should Vinicius have won? Possibly. It's [decided by] journalists worldwide, not a select group. It reflects a global consensus, not just one country's opinion. The diversity of views is what makes football great, isn't it?" "Of course, if [Vinicius] had won, it would have been well-deserved. The same goes for Erling [Haaland] last year. The competition is truly open. There are more opportunities to win." Guardiola also commended Rodri, who became only the third Spanish player to win the Ballon d'Or after Alfredo di Stefano (1957 and 1959) and Luis Suarez (1960). The midfielder was also the first Spaniard in the top three since Andres Iniesta in 2012, and Guardiola recognized the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo over the years. "Rodri gave an incredible speech," Guardiola added. "He spoke about his family, Manchester City, and Spanish football." "In the last decade, Spanish football has made a significant impact - they've won a World Cup, a Euros - yet Spain had never won this award before. Their contribution over the past 10 to