Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim expressed sympathy for his Tottenham counterpart Ange Postecoglou ahead of their clash on Sunday but emphasized that the pressure he faces at United is greater, given the club’s illustrious history.
Both teams are enduring disappointing domestic campaigns, with United and Spurs languishing in 13th and 14th place, respectively, as they approach the final third of the season.
When asked about his thoughts on Postecoglou, Amorim responded: “Of course, especially because he is a good guy. He’s a very good coach. He wants to play football the right way, and for me, that’s a good thing. When we choose this profession, there are many great things, but you also have to feel the pressure when you don’t win.”
He continued, “In my opinion, with all due respect, I’m at a bigger club with bigger pressure. I understand the connection, and he’s a really important coach who sticks to his principles.”
Both clubs have been eliminated from domestic cup competitions and are unlikely to secure European football through their league positions, leaving the Europa League as their last hope for success.
Amorim reiterated his admiration for Postecoglou, saying, “I’m a huge fan of Ange Postecoglou. I’m from a different culture—Portuguese—and all Portuguese coaches can adapt. I adapt. The simple thing is that I use one system right now because I believe if you work on it, you can play in different systems. That’s my idea.”
He added, “But we’re not winning games, and I understand the connection between me and Ange. We have the same problems.”
Postecoglou, however, was more measured in his praise of Amorim, stating, “I’ve got respect for all managers because I know how tough it is.”
The Spurs boss also offered his backing to Amorim, suggesting United would be wise to stick with the 40-year-old coach. “If Man Utd stuck with Ruben for the next two years, they’d see progress, absolutely. That’s how long it takes,” Postecoglou said. “If someone can show me someone who’s done it quicker without significant investment, by all means, put it across my desk, and I’ll follow that blueprint.”
