Longtail

LIVERPOOL’s search for a heir to Jurgen Klopp’s throne may be over.New reports suggest that Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim has verbally agreed to join the Anfield club.Rúben Amorim has been tipped to take over the hot seat at AnfieldThe fashionable Amorim cuts a fine figure on the touchlineAmorim is married to well-connected Maria Joao Diogo, leftHis sporting success is known – restoring Sporting Lisbon to the top of the tree in his homeland.On the touchline he cuts a well-dressed figure, often matching jeans with a hip sweatshirt and fashionable trainers.While a hoodie and chinos combo is also a go-to look for the trendsetter.Away from the game, Ruben married stunning missus Maria Joao Diogo in 2013, in front of an audience of famous footballers.Most read in FootballBut, intriguingly, interior designer Maria is very well-connected in the game herself.Cutting his teethAmorim played for Benfica until he was 32, when a career-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury changed his life.Forced into a change of direction, he began his coaching badges.Initially, he was labelled a Jose Mourinho fanboy – dazzled by The Special One’s tactics that scored success at Porto, Chelsea, and Inter, and citing him as an inspiration.Most read in FootballIt was fitting in the 2018 edition of High Performance Football Coaching that Amorim did his internship under Mourinho.Jurgen Klopp manages to savage both Man Utd and his own Liverpool team with astonishing comment about ArsenalHis first taste of glory as a manager came with Braga, where he won the Portuguese Cup after just half a season in charge in 2019.He was immediately head-hunted to become Lisbon boss the following season, where within two seasons he delivered their first league title in 19 years.Instant success saw him named The Special One 2.0. But the ever so modest Amorim played down the comparison.”It has nothing to do with it, it makes no sense and I have no illusions about it,” he said.“I still remember last year everyone was speculating about whether I was going to leave Sporting. There are no comparisons between the great José Mourinho and the Sporting coach.”Back in 2018, Amorim did an internship under Jose MourinhoCredit: Twitter @Mourinho_XtraAmorim has made no secret of his admiration of MourinhoCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresA wife with footballing connectionsIn 2013, in a beautiful ceremony at the Palácio de S. Marcos church in Coimbra, Amorim said his ‘I do’ to the love of his life, Maria.The groom was the first to the event, and as is tradition the bride arrived 30 minutes later.160 guests witnessed the beautiful moment, including members of the football world.Players like Nuno Gomes, Miguel Vítor, Hugo Viana, Luís Filipe and Quim were all present. As was Maria’s brother, Antero Henrique.Antero was famously the former Sporting Director at PSG – and was a Man Utd target, before the Red Devils switched their attention to Dan Ashworth.He was responsible for the most expensive transfer ever – bringing Neymar to the Ligue 1 giants in a record-breaking £198million from Barcelona.Antero also managed to convince Kylian Mbappe to snub Real Madrid, when he moved from Monaco.While Dani Alves, who was fielding several offers from Premier League clubs, was persuaded that his future belonged in the French capital in 2017.Before his tenure at PSG, Antero modernised Porto’s academy and introduced handball and basketball to the organisation.A club museum and TV channel were also insisted upon by the ambitious football director.Maria Joao Diogo, left, has serious sporting connectionsCredit: Instagram @doistons_designinterioresHer brother Antero Henrique was once the Sporting Director at PSGCredit: AFPMaria Joao Diogo boasts her own interior design company and shows off the looks on InstagramCredit: Instagram @doistons_designinterioresMaria’s sister is also married to a footballer. Inês Diogo is married to a former  Braga, Sporting Lisbon and Benfica footballer, Luís Filipe.Despite her footballing connections, she doesn’t work in football.Instead, she runs her own interior designer firm called Dois Tons.On their Instagram, she showcases plenty of homes she has given makeovers.Fashionable coachHer expertise also begs the questions if she has any influence on Amorim’s wardrobe.The Reds target will give the likes of Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and Roberto De Zerbi a run for their money in the fashion stakes.Amorim has shown off a variety of looks as his reputation has grown.In the warmer months, he keeps it casual in the dugout – wearing a t-shirt with chinos.When it’s cooler, a trendy sweatshirt might be added.But when the occasion calls for it, Amorim can look dapper in a light suit with a tee underneath.One thing that is a given is he will most likely be wearing trainers.Smart Amorim is set to give the Premier League’s most fashionable managers a run for their moneyCredit: AlamyGiven the occasion, Amorin will don a designer suitCredit: GettyAmorim can also go casual in a t-shirt and chinosCredit: RexBut always Amorin wears expensive trainers on the sidelinesCredit: EPAOver the years, he has sported a variety of brands – but favours Nike.READ MORE SUN STORIESReports have suggested Amorim is an avid Yeezys collector too, and boasts an impressive collection. However, this has never been confirmed.Surely, though, Liverpool fashionista Trent Alexander-Arnold will approve. More

HE is a definite shout for player of the season – and surely must be central to Gareth Southgate’s England plans.Phil Foden has pushed on this campaign – scoring a remarkable 22 goals in all competitions.Phil Foden is living a luxurious lifestyle away from the pitchFoden is in a longterm romance with high-school sweetheart Rebecca CookeHis latest display against Aston Villa kept Manchester City in the title race – a sublime hat-trick earning a standing ovation from the home faithful.A humble and modest lad from Stockport, Foden, 23, earns a dizzying salary of around £11.7million-per-year.And although he spends his money wisely, it still affords him to lead a luxurious life away from the pitch.Here is how Foden’s lifestyle plays out.Read more football newsHis homeWhen Foden was just a teenager, he splashed the cash on a £2.8million home in Cheshire.He bought it for his parents, and continued to live with them until 2021.Then, he splashed around £3million on a mansion in upmarket Prestbury, just five minutes away.The home features five bedrooms, and is in a village famous for where footballers live.Most read in FootballWayne Rooney used to live nearby, until he moved to a £20million mega-mansion nearby.Man City boss Pep Guardiola says top-class Phil Foden can do whatever he wants in footballA source told The Sun back in 2022: “Phil loves living in Cheshire but felt it was time to fly the nest now he has two young children with his partner, Rebecca.“It’s in his old neighbourhood so they feel very settled in already.”The missusMoving in with him was longterm missus, Rebecca Cooke – who is also the mother of his two children.They reportedly met at a party when they were teenagers in Stockport.She has since been spotted joining England’s Wags at tournaments including the Euros and World Cup.Foden became a dad for the first time at the age 18, when he and Rebecca welcomed son Ronnie into the world.Speaking of the magical moment to Man City’s website, he said: “I was there for the birth.”I walked out of the room, gave it a little tear and then went back in like nothing happened.“I’m not one for crying in front of people. I like to be on my own, but I was there in the room, watched it happen and it was a special moment.”Rebecca Cooke reportedly met Foden at a party when they were teenagersRebecca often joins England’s Wags at major tournaments including the Euros and World CupFoden and Rebecca are parents to two kidsCredit: instagramCity ace Foden shows off his brood on a family holidayCredit: Instagram / @philfodenread more sport featuresIn 2021, they added to their family with the birth of a daughter, whose name they have kept private.Getting behind the wheelOn a mega salary, and having to compete with other Man City stars in the motor stakes, you could have been fooled into thinking Foden drives a flashy car.But, that’s certainly not the case.For Foden only passed his driving test back in December. He took to social media to confirm the news.Posing behind a wheel with a Volkswagen logo on it with his thumb up in one hand and holding his practical driving test pass certificate in the other, the midfielder looked delighted.The car he has been driving is the all-electric hatchback, the ID.3.They can cost up to £40,000, comes with a 150kW electric motor powering the rear wheels, but it won’t compare in speed to the Lamborghinis or Ferraris decorating City’s training complex.The ID.3 reaches 0-60mph in around 7.9 seconds, but only has a top speed of 99mph.Perfect starter car, though, for a new driver.Last December, Foden passed his driving testCredit: Phil foden InstagramThree Lions star Foden is believed to be driving a Volkswagen ID.3 worth around £40kCredit: Volkswagen AGJewellery partnershipAlthough Foden has admitted in the past he was late to fashion and style, he has since dedicated himself to his own jewellery line.In 2023, the Champions League winner teamed up with London-based brand Cernucci.Inspired by a mix of hip hop, football and street culture, they have become a celebrity’s favourite.Rapper Don Toliver, Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and actor John Boyega are all fans.Foden has already released two collections with the brand, which were shared in a glossy photoshoot.Chains, rings, bracelets and earrings made from 18k gold and white gold plating, with 5A grade stones feature in the collection.All are reasonably priced, with chains costing as little as £137.99 online.Foden boasts his own fashion collection with London jewellers CernucciCredit: INSTAGRAM @cernucciFoden showed off the collection in a glossy photoshootCredit: INSTAGRAM @cernucciFavourite hobbyWhen Foden likes to relax, he indulges in his favourite hobby.It’s a passion the likes of Paul Gascoigne and David Seaman have also enjoyed, to take the minds away from the pressures of the game.Fishing is the Stockport Iniesta’s favourite hobby.Foden has even trekked to Spain, where he once caught a 130lb catfish.“I was probably about six or seven and my dad had a fishing rod of his dad’s and said we should go and try it out,” he recalled.”I fell in love with it and we ended up going every weekend. I still remember my first catch.”It wasn’t very big, I was just learning, but it’s the excitement of when you get one for the first time.“I think that’s the buzz that makes you want to go again, but it’s also a chance to chill and relax and to spend time with my dad.“I think it’s really good after games when you have to rest your legs and I just find it really enjoyable.“There’s tactics. Knowing in which spots to fish, knowing where the fish are, fishing at different lengths…Away from the pitch, Foden enjoys fishingOn a trip to Spain, Foden once hooked a huge catfishCredit: INSTAGRAM/phil foden
“There’s a lot behind it but when I get the odd day off, I fish simple. I’m not a specialist at it but I still manage to catch“I generally love all types of sport, but I don’t do any others apart from fishing.” More