Ruben Amorim has apologised for meeting with West Ham United officials to potentially replace David Moyes as manager.
The Scot said in February that he was offered an extension, but has delayed making a decision until the end of the season, when his contract expires.
In the meantime the Hammers are working on contingencies in case Moyes does leave the London outfit
The Portuguese tactician has emerged as one of the top candidates and flew to London earlier this week to speak with the club about possibly taking the role in the summer.
However, this did not go down well with fans of Sporting Club de Lisbon, the club he currently manages, despite having permission to speak with the Premier League side.
Amorim admitted it was “completely wrong” to do so while the season is still ongoing, apologising to supporters.
“It was a mistake,” he said (via Fabrizio Romano). “The timing was completely wrong.
“I’m always asking my players to be respectful… and I wasn’t — even if I informed the club before.
“I’m so sorry and I apologise to fans, club and players.”
Amorim has been linked with Barcelona and Liverpool in recent weeks, but both of those jobs are now off the table.
Xavi Hernandez has agreed to stay on at the Catalan club having previously stated he would leave at the end of the season.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are set to appoint Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp’s successor when the German leaves this summer.
The former midfielder came to prominence after winning the league title with Sporting Club in 2021 and knocking Arsenal out of the Europa League last season. He’s also won the Portuguese League Cup twice with the Lisbon outfit and once with Sporting Braga.
West Ham are also said to be considering former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui for the hot seat, with the Telegraph claiming he is a “serious candidate”.
Read – West Ham star hits back at Roy Keane for ‘dinosaur mentality’
See Also – Palhinha backs Ruben Amorim to take ‘huge step’