Fernando Santos leaves Portugal post after bowing out of the 2022 World Cup at quarterfinal with the shocking defeat Morocco.
Key manager achievements of Santos
- Santos led nation to UEFA EURO 2016 glory and added UEFA Nations League crown
- Portuguese reached quarter-finals of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
- ◉ 109 games ◉ 226 goals ◉ 67 wins ◉ 2 trophies
The news came in after only 5 days since the defeat at World Cup 2022 quarterfinal with Portugal beaten by Morocco with one goal. The decision is believed to be mutual from both sides.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said in a statement – Fernando Santos leave Portugal
“The FPF and Fernando Santos agreed to end the highly successful journey that began in September 2014. “
After one of the best participations ever by the national team in the final stages of the World Cup, in Qatar, FPF and Fernando Santos understand that this is the right moment to start a new cycle. It was an honour to have a coach and a person like Fernando Santos at the head of the national team. “
The FPF thanks Fernando Santos and his technical team for the services provided over eight unique years and believes that this thanks is also made on behalf of the Portuguese people.”
End of an era after Fernando Santos leave Portugal
Santos’ eight-year reign finished on a low note at Qatar when Morocco’s only goal saw the 2016 Euro champion exit bitterly.
The squad was packed with talents and led by the GOAT, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was also not in his best by a mile.
The 68-year-old greatest achievement will always be the 2016 Euro trophy, when Portugal stunned host France 1-0 in the final. Silveware also arrived three years later when Portugal beat Netherlands 1-0 in the final of 2019 UEFA Nations League.
The 68-year-old brings down the curtain on an eight-year reign that featured two significant highs but finished on a low note at Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday.
Santos led his team to their first major trophy at the 2016 UEFA EURO when Portugal stunned hosts France 1-0 in the Paris final. There was more silverware three years later, Portugal beating Netherlands 1-0 in the final of the 2019 UEFA Nations League.
The downfall of Santos’ Portugal
After two successes, Portugal was highly rated at Russia 2018 and even Euro 2022, but these all ended with disappointments.
Santos made one of the tournament’s most talked about decisions when he left Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench for the Round of 16 meeting with Switzerland.
But it turned out to be a win for Santos with a hat-trick from Ronaldo’s replacement, Goncalo Ramos, in a 6-1 victory that raised expectations over Portugal’s prospects at the World Cup’s business end.
The formula was pretty much identical in the quarterfinal against Morocco, however first-half goal from Youssef En-Nesyri banished hopes of adding to semi-final appearances in 1966 and 2006.
What’s next for Portugal after Santos
There have been talks about Jose Mourinho who could be on his way to take over the hot seat at Portugal.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport and many other sources, Portugal have approached Jose Mourinho with the prospect of managing club and country simultaneously.
The former Real Madrid manager used to coach Ronaldo, who already had his last game for Portugal at the World Cup.
Mourinho and Ronaldo reunite, in case it happened, could be a bombshell.
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