Fernando Santos had a successful tenure as the Portugal national team coach, leading them to victory in the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. However, his time with the Poland national team was marred by inconsistent performances and questionable tactical decisions. Despite having a talented squad with players like Robert Lewandowski, Piotr Zieliński, and Wojciech Szczęsny, Poland struggled to perform at their best under Santos’ guidance.
The decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo was particularly controversial. Ronaldo, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, was expected to be a key player for Poland during the World Cup. However, Santos decided to leave him on the bench during a crucial match, a decision that was met with disbelief and anger by many fans. While Santos defended his decision, stating that it was made for tactical reasons, many questioned his judgement and called for his dismissal.
The Polish Football Association (PZPN) ultimately decided to terminate Santos’ contract, stating that the team’s performances during the World Cup were not up to the expected standard. The decision was met with a mixed response from fans, with some supporting the decision and others feeling that Santos was not given enough time to prove himself.
The search for a new national team coach will now begin, with several names already being mentioned as potential candidates. Among them are Jerzy Brzęczek, who previously coached the Polish national team, and Jacek Góralski, who is currently the head coach of Jagiellonia Białystok. Whoever takes over will have a tough task ahead of them, as expectations for the Polish national team are always high.
In conclusion, Fernando Santos’ tenure as the Poland national team coach has come to an end, following a series of disappointing performances and the controversial decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo during the World Cup. The search for a new coach will now begin, and it will be interesting to see who the PZPN chooses to lead the team forward. With a talented squad and passionate fanbase, the Poland national team has the potential to achieve great things, but the right leadership will be crucial in realizing that potential.
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