The Portuguese Football Federation released the following statement on its official website:
“Fernando Santos, ex-Greece coach, is to be presented at 12:30 on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Portuguese Football Federation.
“The new national team manager has coached Estoril, Estrela da Amadora, FC Porto, AEK Athens, Panathinaikos, Sporting, Benfica, PAOK Thessaloniki and the Greek football team.”
Meanwhile, former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was strongly linked to the Portuguese job during the past few days. However, as Italian reporter Tancredi Palmieri tweeted, the deal failed to materialize:
No financial agreement between Portugal FA and Mancini, then they appoint Fernando Santos
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) September 23, 2014
Fernando Santos’ last achievement was guiding Greece into the Last 16 of this summer’s FIFA World Cup. The 59-year-old’s side narrowly missed out on the quarter-finals stage as Costa Rica triumphed on penalties after 120 spirited minutes.
In the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers, Portugal are without a single point in Group I, following their shameful 1-0 defeat at home to Albania which proved to be Paulo Bento’s final match in charge. His successor, Fernando Santos, will commence his reign as head coach away to Euro 2016 hosts France in a friendly match on October 11. Three days later, Santos will be tasked to guide his side to victory against group leaders Denmark.
Fernando Santos’ appointment creating much more sadness than joy among Portuguese fans
Official: Fernando Santos appointed as new Portugal manager. Good choice. Greece were good under him, but style too defensive.
— Sergi Domínguez (@FutbolSergi) September 23, 2014
Fernando Santos to manage Portugal. Initial reaction to this is that it is not a forward step.
— Simon Curtis (@bifana_bifana) September 23, 2014
Fernando Santos still have the 8 match ban which will prevent him to be a the sideline during matches. Not surprised he got the job, though.
— Jan Hagen (@PortuBall) September 23, 2014
Fernando Santos is officially confirmed as the new coach of Portugal. Now, to see if that 8-match touchline ban can be overturned...
— Andy Brassell (@andybrassell) September 23, 2014
Fernando Santos' football is so boring that you'd fall asleep before the match even starts.
— Futebol Daily (@futebol_daily) September 23, 2014
Portugal appointing Fernando Santos as manager is ridiculous. Gone for the cheap option. Carlos Quieroz all over again.
— James Vella (@jvella7gooner) September 23, 2014
@franciscamay @Portu_Goal ...and right now this is the kind of coach the national team needs. He's also a Porto guy so can't go wrong there
— Rui Girao (@therealRuiGirao) September 23, 2014
@therealRuiGirao @Portu_Goal I'm just unsure. His defensive style doesn't impress me, & he doesn't seem the kind to bring on fresh blood!
— Francisca (@franciscamay) September 23, 2014
@Portu_Goal Great news. International experience and can manage the egos of the players
— Tony Rosa (@tonyrosa) September 23, 2014
@Portu_Goal From bad to worse... Here we go again????
— Joel de Jesus (@joeldoporto) September 23, 2014
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