Santos appointed by Poland following Portugal exit
Copy icon

Ryan Benson
Stats Perform
Fernando Santos during the World Cup
Fernando Santos during the World Cup

Fernando Santos has been appointed Poland head coach until 2026 following the end of his tenure with Portugal.

Santos, 68, was in charge of the Selecao for over eight years and guided them to success at Euro 2016 and the inaugural Nations League in 2019.

Despite those trophies, Portugal fans had become frustrated with the style of football Santos' team played in recent years, with there being a perception of him underachieving given the wealth of talent at his disposal.

Santos' Portugal contract was not due to expire until after Euro 2024, but he was removed from his role after the World Cup quarter-final defeat to Morocco last month.

Roberto Martinez has since replaced him.

Santos has not wasted much time in taking a new job either, however, with Poland his third international position in succession after also coaching Greece for four years prior to taking over Portugal.

He will be only Poland's third non-native head coach after Portuguese compatriot Paulo Sousa, who had a brief spell in charge in 2021, and Leo Beenhakker.

Polish Football Association (PZPN) president Cezary Kulesza had essentially confirmed the hiring on Monday when he posted a photo of himself with Santos, the caption announcing a press conference for the following day.

Santos' first goal will be to secure Poland's qualification for a fourth successive appearance at the European Championship, with the 2024 edition to take place in neighbouring Germany.

He will then be tasked with leading Poland to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, after which his contract is due to end.

Tags

PolandPortugal
LiveScore logo

LiveScore: Live Sport Updates

Footbal Scores & Sports News

App storeGoogle play

About

Sports News - Latest Sports News & Today's Headlines

Stick with LiveScore for the latest sports news from around the world. Regardless of which sport is your favourite, you’ll always find the biggest headlines and stories in one place. From football to cricket, tennis to motorsport, we cover all the top stories from the most popular sports and much, much more. Throw in betting tips for anyone 18 or over and you have a match-winning formula at your fingertips. Breaking sports news flows thick and fast and we’re always here to deliver regular updates and insight as stories develop. Regardless of the time, the sports world never sleeps as so many different leagues, events and tournaments take place globally. And that means you’ll always have sports news to consume 24/7.