Poland have sacked Fernando Santos as their head coach, just nine months after he was appointed. The decision comes after the team’s 2-0 defeat to Albania in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, which leaves them second-bottom of Group E.
Santos was appointed in December 2022 following the departure of Czesław Michniewicz. He had previously led Portugal to victory at Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019, but his tenure in Poland was short-lived.
The 68-year-old was criticized for his team selection and tactics, and he also faced calls to resign after a power struggle with star player Cristiano Ronaldo.
In a statement, the Polish Football Association said: “We have decided to terminate the contract with Fernando Santos. We thank him for his work and wish him all the best in the future.”
The FA has not yet announced a replacement for Santos, but former Poland international Adam Nawałka is reportedly the frontrunner.
Nawałka was in charge of Poland from 2013 to 2018, leading them to the Euro 2016 quarterfinals. He is currently the manager of Saudi Arabia.
Poland’s next Euro 2024 qualifier is against Andorra on October 8. They will need to win that game and hope for other results to go their way if they are to qualify for the tournament.
Santos’ sacking is a major setback for Poland, who were hoping to build on their success at Euro 2016. However, the decision is understandable given the team’s recent results. It remains to be seen who will be appointed as the new coach, but Nawałka is the favorite to take over.
