Ruben Amorim has apologised to Sporting Lisbon supporters after admitting that the timing and publicity of his talks in London with West Ham United were "completely wrong".
The 39-year-old has become one of the most in-demand managers in Europe since the turn of the year and has been heavily linked with a potential move to the Premier League.
Amorim recently emerged as one of the leading contenders to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, with reports even going as far to say that he had reached an verbal agreement over a three-year deal with the Merseyside club.
However, the Portuguese strongly denied those reports earlier this month and insisted that "there was no interview with any club".
Liverpool have since turned their attention to appointing Feyenoord boss Arne Slot, but Amorim is now believed to be a potential candidate to replace David Moyes at West Ham; Moyes is out of contract at the end of the season.
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Amorim issues public apology to Sporting fans after West Ham talks
Reports emerged earlier this week that West Ham had held talks with Amorim, and although the Hammers are yet to comment, Amorim himself has now confirmed that he flew to London to hold discussions on Monday.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday ahead of Sporting's Primeira Liga clash with rivals Porto on Sunday, Amorim said: "So, let's get the elephant out of the room and I'll talk about it once. The first thing is to say that the club was aware of my trip. It's important and changes the context.
"Then, let's talk about the 'cloak of secrecy' that surrounded the trip... I 'secretly parked the car outside', 'secretly walked past 15 people, and took photographs', and 'got on a plane that was all done behind the club's back'. It didn't happen in secret or without permission.
"Obviously my trip was a mistake, the timing was completely wrong, it didn't seem right at the time. It was wrong, especially when I'm so demanding with my players and always the first to say that each one's actions can overpower the team. I have already removed players from the squad for much less.
"It was my mistake, I have to accept it and live with it.
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"It didn't seem so bad at the time, but thinking about it later it's very clear. I gave explanations to the players and the staff. Now it's time to move on. Obviously, I also use the public part here to apologise to the Sporting fans, the staff and, mainly publicly to my players for the mistake I made.
"It was a mistake because the fact that we are close to winning the championship, nothing has been done yet, and the team leader causes this noise, is a mistake. Whether or not he is authorised. And I'm the biggest defender of that. That's why I said it is an error."
What next for Ruben Amorim?
Amorim has enjoyed a successful four-year stay as Sporting Lisbon manager and is on course to lead the Lisbon-based giants to their second Primeira Liga title during his tenure, as they sit six points clear at the top of the table with just four games remaining.
A 14-cap Portugal international in his playing days, Amorim has won 155 of his 218 games in charge of Sporting, and even though he is under contract at Estadio Jose Alvalade until June 2026, his long-term future remains uncertain.
West Ham are not the only club believed to be interested in Amorim's services, as Chelsea's hierarchy have reportedly identified the Sporting boss as one of a number of coaches who could replace Mauricio Pochettino, should they decide to part ways with the Argentine this summer.
Oliver Thomas
