The Portuguese Football Federation announced on Thursday the departure of Fernando Santos as national team manager, after losing to Morocco in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup.
The European national team suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat by Morocco on Saturday in a match in which the coach left Portugal’s long-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo out of the starting lineup.
In an emotional video message, Santos said coaching Portugal was a “dream come true” and “an important goal in his life”.
“When you lead a group of players you have to make some tough decisions.
“It’s normal that not everyone is happy with the choices I’ve made, but I’ve always bet on the interests of the national team.”
“After one of the best ever appearances of the national team in the late stages of the World Cup … the Portuguese Football Federation and Fernando Santos have concluded that now is the right time to start a new cycle,” said the Portuguese federation. in a statement.
Santos, whose plans sparked criticism in Portugal and abroad, took the lead in 2014 and led the national team to 109 matches and to victory at the 2016 European Championship. Under his leadership, Portugal won the inaugural Nations League in 2018-2019.
“In addition to the titles won, Fernando Santos has become the manager with the most games and the most victories,” said the Portuguese federation.
“It has been a great honor to collaborate with a manager of such stature as Fernando Santos.”
The Portuguese FA added that the board will now start the process of searching for a new coach.
The Portuguese media have proposed many names to succeed Santos, such as Jose Mourinho, coach of Roma, Roy George, coach of the Portuguese under-21 team, and Paulo Fonseca, coach of Lille.
Mourinho arrived in Portugal today, where Roma are due to play three friendlies, but refused to comment when asked about Santos’ succession by reporters.
