A BOLA – Trust in Fernando Santos (School)

Fernando Santos’ place as selector is not in question. According to data collected by A BOLA, the governing structure of the Portuguese Football Federation maintains full confidence in the coach who led Portugal to win its only two international titles – the European Championship in 2016 and the League of Nations in 2019 – and he will guide the National Team in the play-off that will compete in March to guarantee its presence in the World Cup, which at the end of 2022 will be played in Qatar.

Soon after the defeat against Serbia, the Portuguese showed their frustration, both at the Estádio da Luz, where they said goodbye to the team with white handkerchiefs – addressed, of course, to the coach – and in the various opinion spaces or on social networks, where requests for the resignation of the coach multiplied. But in the offices of Cidade do Futebol, where there is an obligation to think more coldly – about the good, but especially the bad times -, the departure of Fernando Santos was a scenario that was never on the table. The fans’ frustration extended to players, technical staff and, of course, managers, but the moment, they assure us, demands stability. The only objective is for the National Team to guarantee its presence at the 2022 World Cup and for those responsible for the FPF, the best way to ensure that this happens is to maintain
Fernando Santos at the technical command of the team.

Or weigh two titles
Taking all this into account, and in particular that there is a World Cup to be reached, the message is one of tranquility. Fernando Santos, who has a contract with the FPF until 2024, will continue as national selector until at least March.

And if he does qualify for Qatar he will, of course, also be the World Cup selector – if not (a scenario that nobody puts up) both sides will, as usual, assess the situation. This is the plan for now. And although the fans’ frustration is perceived, no one forgets that the current coach is linked to the most brilliant moments of the National Team. And that always has some weight.

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