5 replacements for Fernando Santos as Portugal manager
Portugal manager Fernando Santos has come under intense scrutiny following his team's disappointing defeat to Serbia in the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers on Sunday. Santos saw his team stunned 2-1 at the Estadio da Luz by the inspired visitors. A draw would have sufficed for Portugal to qualify for the showpiece tournament as group winners.
Following their loss, Portugal conceded top spot to Serbia in Group A, and will now need to tread the treacherous playoff route to seal their spot in Qatar. Santos' men now have a mountain to climb to make it into next year's World Cup. They'll now take on one of the group runner-ups in a two-legged playoff tie earl next year
Considering the pedigree of stars in Portugal's squad, it is highly disappointing to see them drop to the playoffs. That makes it easy to understand why many are furious with head coach Fernando Santos for failing to bring the best out of the team.
Was this Fernando Santos' last match as Portugal's manager? 😮 https://t.co/man49G3px6
In fact, the tactician's job is on the line at the moment. It won't be a surprise if he gets dismissed anytime soon, especially if his team fails to navigate the playoffs.
As the gaffer continues to fight for his future, here's a look at five managers who could replace Santos should he end up losing his job:
#5 Ruben Amorim
One of the youngest managers in European football right now, Ruben Amorim is doing wonders with Sporting Lisbon. The 36-year-old's team has arguably been the most impressive in the Portuguese top flight this season, sitting atop the table alongside Porto, with 28 points from 11 games.
“It was an awful performance, inadmissible, I can’t explain it” - Bernardo Silva
“We have to apologise. Everyone's disappointed But my team will be at the World Cup in Qatar, that is a guarantee.” - Fernando Santos
Portugal 1-2 Serbia match reaction bit.ly/3kFN0zT https://t.co/2mlJCfwbDO
Amorim introduced himself to the football world when he led SC Braga to the Portuguese League Cup in the 2019-20 campaign. He joined Sporting Lisbon last year, and has already led them to the Primera Liga title, Portuguese Cup and Super Cup.
#4 Andre Villas-Boas
Andre Villas-Boas has enjoyed a remarkable managerial career, working with the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Zenit, Porto and Olympique Marseille. The tactician has won many honours, including the Europa League and domestic trophies across Portugal and Russia.
Villas-Boas is a popular figure in Portugal, thanks to his impressive spell with FC Porto, with whom he won the domestic treble in 2010-11. It certainly won't be a surprise if he becomes the next manager of Portugal.