Former European champions Portugal have reportedly parted ways with manager Fernando Santos following their World Cup quarter-final defeat by Morocco.
Santos had a contract that held until after Euro 2024, however, the Portuguese Football Federation said now was the “right moment to start a new cycle” The Mirror Reports.
A move that makes him the fourth managerial casualty of the Qatar-hosted World Cup.
The 68-year-old took charge of the Portugal team in October 2014 where he guided them to European championship success in 2016, before steering them to their second title in three years after they claimed the inaugural 2019 Nations League.
Questions around his status at the helm of the team’s program would begin following his decision to drop Captain Cristiano Ronaldo from their starters lineup for the round of 16 fixture against Switzerland, following reports of Ronaldo’s apparent bemusement in being subbed off in their final group game against South Korea.
Despite thrashing the Swizz 6-1 on the back of a hattrick from Ronaldo’s replacement, Goncalo Ramos, that tactic failed to spark again in their quarter-final against Morocco who clipped the Portuguese 1-0 to advance to a historic semi-final qualification.
Following their shock exit, Santos insisted he had no regrets about the decisions over Ronaldo, who was left in tears at the final whistle.
Portugal will now begin the process of appointing a new head coach, with Roma boss José Mourinho one of the early favorites for the post.
A statement from the Portuguese Football Federation read: “It was an honour to have a coach and a person like Fernando Santos at the head of the national team. 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.”
Ronaldo who acrimoniously departed English Premiere league club Manchester United ahead of the World Cup is currently training in Madrid to maintain his fitness ahead of the January transfer window.
There has been no official interest by any major European club for the talisman although Saudi Arabian team Al Nassir is reported to have proposed a big-money bid for Cr7.
