Portugal part ways with coach Fernando Santos following World Cup exit

Portugal has decided to part ways with head coach Fernando Santos after their World Cup exit, the Portuguese Federation announced on Thursday. The team was knocked after they were stunned by Morocco by 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the marquee event.

Meanwhile, Santos took over Portugal’s coaching role back in 2014 and led the team to Euro Championships in 2016. Portugal also won the first edition UEFA Nations League in 2019 under the tutelage of Santos.

Santos had a contract till Euro 2024 but it was terminated by the Portuguese Federation.

“The Portuguese Football Federation and Fernando Santos agreed to end the highly successful journey that began in September 2014,” read a statement from the FPF.

“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 time to start a new cycle.

“The FPF Board will now begin the process of choosing the next national coach.”

In an emotional message, Santos revealed it was a dream come true to serve as Portugal’s head coach.

“When you lead groups, you have to make some difficult decisions,” he added. “It’s normal that not everyone was happy with the choices I made but the decisions I took were always thinking about what would be best for our team.”

Meanwhile, Santos came under the scanner after he benched Cristiano Ronaldo for the Round of 16 match against Switzerland. The Seleccao went on to win by 6-1 against the Swiss team and Santos backed the same team against Morocco. Santos had revealed he didn’t have any regrets after benching the talisman in the knockout stage.

“I don’t think so, no regrets,” Santos said. “I think this was a team that played very well against Switzerland. Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player, he came in when we thought it was necessary, so no regrets.

“If we take two persons that were the most upset it is Cristiano Ronaldo and me. Of course, we are upset, but that is part of the job of the coach and the player.”

Jose Mourinho has been tipped to take charge of the team following Santos’ departure, as per the latest reports.