Ruben Amorim: Sporting CP boss apologises to fans and players for holding West Ham talks – ‘It was a mistake'

Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim has publicly apologised to the Portuguese club's players and supporters after he held talks to replace David Moyes as West Ham United manager.

Amorim, who has guided Sporting seven points clear at the summit of the Liga Portugal with four games to play, has been linked to several managerial roles across Europe, including Liverpool and Barcelona.

The 39-year-old is reportedly West Ham's top target to replace Moyes.

The Sporting boss said it was a "mistake" to fly to London amid his side's title-chasing run-in, adding that the "timing was completely wrong".

Amorim, though, fought against claims that there was a "veil of secrecy" around the trip to London, adding that he informed the Sporting hierarchy of the ongoing talks.

"The first thing to say is that the club knew about my trip, that's the first thing, because it's important and changes the context," Amorim told a press conference on Saturday.

"The second thing to talk about is this 'veil of secrecy' around the trip. I 'secretly' parked my car outside, 'secretly' walked past 15 people, spoke with the people, took photos with people and got on a plane.

"It's important to take away this idea that it was all done behind the club's back, that didn't happen. "Now the most important point, that obviously it was a mistake.

"The trip, the timing was completely wrong. I didn't think so at the time but it was wrong, especially when I'm so demanding of my players, and I'm always the first to say that the problems of individuals can't take over the team, and I've taken players out of the team for much less.

"It was my fault, I have to accept that and live with it. I didn't think it was so bad at the time, but thinking back on it it's very clear. I've explained this with the players, the staff, but most important now is to carry on.

"I'm using the conference here to say sorry to the Sporting fans, the staff, and above all, to say sorry publicly to the players for the mistake that I made."

It has been reported that West Ham will evaluate Moyes' position at the club after the season's conclusion. The former Manchester United boss has enjoyed a five-year stint at the London Stadium, guiding the club to their UEFA Europa Conference League triumph last year.

Amorim, who fiercely denied holding talks with Liverpool earlier in April, looks set to guide Sporting to their second Liga Portugal title in three years after the club ended its 19-year-long trophy drought in 2022 - Amorim's first full season in charge of the club.

Sporting face Porto on Sunday in their toughest-looking encounter on their route to the Portuguese title.

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