Ruben Amorim answers Man City question after Hugo Viana announcement amid Pep Guardiola uncertainty

Ruben Amorim has addressed the rumours linking him to the job at Manchester City ahead of Hugo Viana's arrival at the Etihad Stadium next summer.

Viana will take over from Txiki Begiristain as City’s director of football. There were rumours Viana could bring Amorim to the Etihad Stadium if Pep Guardiola was to depart at the end of his contract.

Guardiola, who is in the final year of his deal at the Etihad, had been approached informally by the FA over the prospect of becoming the new England manager. The 53-year-old was unable to give a firm answer which prompted the Three Lions to look for alternatives before appointing Thomas Tuchel.

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City are thought to have already begun planning for life without Guardiola and Amorim is reported to be near the top of a list of potential replacements, according to The Guardian. It's not the first time the Portuguese boss has been on the radar of Premier League sides, having admitted to speaking with West Ham before the end of last season. He was also considered by Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp left.

Amorim, who has worked with Hugo Viana at Sporting Clube de Portugal for the last six years, will not be following him to Manchester. "You're talking about Hugo Viana going to City. But me? It's all rumours," Amorim told Record during his press-conference on Thursday.

"Viana will always be a great friend but our professional path will one day, be different. One thing doesn't lead to another. We haven't spoken about it, it's two different paths. Viana's path is Viana's path and mine is mine. We have a professional relationship that will not last forever but it's certain that the friendship will continue."

On whether he would feel prepared to coach a team like City, Amorim added: "I feel prepared to continue working at Sporting. This year with even more responsibility because everyone sees Sporting on a different level."

Amorim also insisted that Viana's departure will not have a huge affect on the team. "The main focus is that nothing has changed at Sporting, nothing. Apart from Viana leaving at the end of the season," the Portuguese boss continued.

"Until then, he is the sporting director. There's no changes in that aspect, other than the club preparing for his departure. Viana didn't want the news to be public at this time but nothing has changed. The focus remains on the season and what matters is the team winning games.

"The whole structure remains the same and the only thing we know is that he won't be with us next year. I can't control what you will say or ask but I can control the answer I give. The only thing that has changed is that Viana will leave but nothing at Sporting has changed and will remain the same until the end of the season.

"[When it comes to playing City], of course Viana won't be able to enter the dressing room because I won't let him in to avoid conflicts, but that's all that changes. In relation to Viana, he, more than anyone wants us to win against City, we're all in the same boat and that is the main thing."