Viktor Gyökeres says Ruben Amorim’s tactics ‘suited him perfectly’

Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres feels the club’s former head coach Ruben Amorim’s tactics suited him perfectly. The Portuguese manager left Sporting mid-season in November to join Manchester United. Amorim took the coaching baton from Erik Ten Hag but could not help the Old Trafford-based team turn their fortunes as they ended in 15th place in the Premier League standings.

On the other hand, Viktor ended as Liga Portugal’s top scorer with 39 goals and played an instrumental role in helping Sporting defend the league title in the previous season.

“The style of play we had under him suited me perfectly,” Gyökeres told France Football. Amorim led Sporting to their first league title in 19 years in the 2023-24 campaign, with Gyökeres scoring a league-high 29 goals in his maiden season with the Portuguese outfit.

“We won two championships in a row for the first time in 71 years,” he said.

“It’s an incredible achievement and, of course, Ruben Amorim played a big part in that. I can’t thank him enough.”

Gyökeres acknowledged he was shocked after Amorim decided to leave Sporting midway through last season with the club at the top of the league standings and still alive in the Champions League.

“It was a shock, I’d never seen a coach leave in the middle of the season when everything was going so well. No hard feelings.

“Yes, it was surprising, but I totally understand his decision,” Gyökeres said.

Gyökeres, 27, is likely to leave Sporting CP this summer, with the Premier League club Arsenal targeting him. 

On the other hand, new Manchester United signing Matheus Cunha will wear the No. 10 shirt previously worn by Marcus Rashford, the Premier League club confirmed on Tuesday.