By Victor Kanayo
Portugal and manager Fernando Santos have parted ways after the country failed to go beyond quarter-final at the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
A statement by the Portuguese Football Federation on Thursday December 15, said, It was the “right moment” to start a new cycle.
“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.
“The FPF Board will now begin the process of choosing the next national coach.”
Santos made headlines after dropping superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for the last 16 match with Switzerland, but his decision proved inspired as replacement Goncalo Ramos bagged a hat-trick in the 6-1 win.
But Portugal were undone in the last eight by stubborn Morocco, who defended valiantly for a 1-0 win to become the first African side in history to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
His greatest achievement was when he guided Portugal to the Euro 2016 title in France, his nation’s only major international trophy, and the inaugural UEFA Nations League title in 2019.
Already, top coaches have emerged as frontrunners to take over Santos job.
They are former Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, now at Roma, and Lille boss Paulo Fonseca.
Fonseca is probably the favourite to clinch it ahead of Euro 2024 in two years’ time, after snubbing the Wolverhampton Wanderers job earlier this year. .
