Portugal has agreed to part ways with the head coach of its national team, Fernando Santos.
The decision came after the team’s relatively disappointing 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Ranked ninth in the world by FIFA, Portugal failed to overcome a quarterfinal showdown with Morocco.
“The Portuguese Football Federation and Fernando Santos have agreed to end the successful journey that began in September 2014,” read an official statement from the organization.
“After one of the best participations of the National Team in the final stages of the World Cup, in Qatar, FPF and Fernando Santos understand that this is the right time to start a new cycle.
“The FPF thanks Fernando Santos and his technical team for the services provided during eight unique years and believes that this gratitude is also made on behalf of the Portuguese people. The FPF Board will now begin the process of choosing the next national coach.”
The coach collected important cutlery
Santos had a 61% win rate during his eight years in charge of Portugal. This includes losing just 19 times in 109 total matches. The highlight of the coach’s tenure with the team was undoubtedly Euro 2016. Santos led Portugal to the tournament title against hosts France. The win was superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s first and only major trophy with his country.
The outgoing coach was also in a battle with Ronaldo throughout the World Cup. Ronaldo wasn’t thrilled about being substituted during a group stage match with South Korea. Santos, on the other hand, was also not happy with his superstar’s reaction to the change. As a result, Ronaldo did not start in the last two matches of the competition.
The final decision surely did not surprise anyone.
Portugal’s final decision with Santos was not exactly surprising. Despite the fact that the coach had a contract that extended until Euro 2024, the World Cup was surely the straw that broke the camel’s back.
The Portugal job, however, is one of the most sought after national team jobs in the world. Although Ronaldo’s future is up in the air, this is still a very talented team. Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, Vitinha, Joao Cancelo and Ruben Dias give Portugal a very solid core group.
Photo credit: IMAGO / Fotoarena
