Liverpool reportedly dropped its interest in Sporting CP's Rúben Amorim for the managerial hot seat due to two significant reasons. The 39-year-old had been the favorite for a number of weeks, although Liverpool looks set to go in a different direction.

The Reds have been on the lookout for a new manager since Jürgen Klopp signalled his departure earlier this year. Xabi Alonso was initially tipped for the job but chose to remain with Bayer Leverkusen.

Amorim emerged as a strong contender, but Liverpool now looks set to appoint Arne Slot, with a deal expected to be finalized with Feyenoord soon. Sky Sports' Melissa Reddy highlighted the main issues with Amorim's candidacy.

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She explained: "He had ticked quite a few of the criteria to get onto the shortlist, but the big sticking point was that his playing philosophy was so different. He likes to use three at the back [and] that doesn't really stack up with Liverpool's squad and their comforts in doing that."

"[Amorim's] long-term vision didn't align with the Liverpool way. Remember, Liverpool play the same way through all the age groups up, so you don't want to disrupt that."

Although Amorim is out of the running, Klopp has given his nod to Slot. "I like a lot about it, if he is the one, he wants to take the job. Really. Is desperate. 'Come on, let's go for it. Excited,'" Klopp remarked.

"I like the way his team play football. All the things I hear about him as a guy, a good guy. Some people I know know him, I don't know him yet."

"Some people tell me that he is a really good guy. I like that a lot. Good coach, good guy. Looking forward for the club if he is the solution or the man. I'm more than happy. It's not up to me to judge these things but it all sounds really good to me."

Liverpool.com says: Given Amorim's style was apparently a sticking point for Liverpool, you have to wonder what it would have meant if Alonso had still been in the running. Both managers play three at the back — would that have also seen the former midfielder ruled out?

In any case, Liverpool and Michael Edwards have clearly done their homework. Rather than just go for the manager attracting the most attention, they've gone for someone who looks to be a better fit at Anfield. We'll wait and see whether that approach works.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.