Portugal and Fernando Santos Part Ways After FIFA World Cup 2022 Exit

Portugal national football team have parted ways with manager Fernando Santos after their exit from FIFA World Cup 2022.

Fernando Santos found himself under immense pressure after Portugal’s elimination from FIFA World Cup 2022 and saw his position as the manager of the national team called into question.

Portugal, who boasted a star-studded squad, had qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2022 round of 16 after finishing atop the points table in Group H. Fernando Santos’ men then produced arguably the best performance by any side at Qatar World Cup 2022 when they trounced Switzerland 6-1 in the round-of-16.

However, Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2022 campaign came to an end in the quarter-finals, where Morocco knocked them out of the competition. The African nation stunned Portugal in the quarter-final, inflicting a 1-0 defeat on the EURO 2016 winners.

Fernando Santos leaves role as Portugal national football team manager

The Portuguese Football Federation have now confirmed they have parted ways with Fernando Santos. The 68-year-old leaves his role as Portugal’s manager as the most successful manager in the history of the Portugal national team.

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

“After one of the best participations ever by the National Team in the final stages of the World Championship, in Qatar, FPF and Fernando Santos understand that this is the right moment to start a new cycle.“

Fernando Santos guided Portugal to their first-ever major trophy when they clinched the EURO 2016 title. He also guided Portugal to UEFA Nations League 2019 title win.

However, Santos could not guide Portugal to world glory at the latest edition of FIFA’s flagship event. Portugal were one of the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2022 title, especially after their dominant win over Switzerland.

They eventually failed to live up to the expectations at Qatar 2022 as Morocco knocked them out of FIFA World Cup 2022.

The Portuguese FA will now begin the process of choosing a new manager for the Portugal national football team. Jose Mourinho is among the names that have been linked to become the next Portugal manager.