European Championship-winning Portuguese manager Fernando Santos has been relieved of his duties as manager of the Portugal national team. The decision appears to have been mutual, with the stalwart been given a respectful exit after a reasonably successful stint in charge of his national team.
Santos’ future was in much doubt after Portugal’s exit from the World Cup in a shock defeat to Morocco in the quarterfinals. The 68-year-old had told various media houses that he will take a call on his future at the end of the Portuguese World Cup campaign, after holding discussions with officials in the Portuguese football federation.
The deliberations have evidently taken place, and the outcome is that Santos will no longer continue as Portugal’s head coach. In his eight years in charge, his side captured the European Championship in 2016, followed by the UEFA Nations League in 2018/19, against France and the Netherlands, respectively.
The spotlight was on Santos in the knockout stages after he chose to bench Cristiano Ronaldo, in favour of the highly talented Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos. The SL Benfica striker scored a hat-trick against Switzerland in the round of 16, but could not make much of an impact against Morocco, as Portugal slumped to a defeat.
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While Santos urged journalists that the decision to bench Ronaldo was strictly tactical, reports emerged which claimed that the decision was driven by the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s unfavourable behaviour within the dressing room.
There have been several managers whose names have been doing the rounds to replace Santos at Portugal. Former AS Roma and current Lille head coach Paulo Fonseca has emerged as one of the contenders to take over from the veteran.
Although there have not been any credible reports on the topic, current AS Roma boss Jose Mourinho has emerged as the overwhelming fan favourite to succeed Santos at the Portugal national team. The move is however, unlikely, given the “Special One”s recent success at the Stadio Olimpico, having managed to capture the first Europa Conference League title. It remains to be seen who will be given the job, as Portugal prepare for the Euros in 2024, and the World Cup in 2026.
