Top five candidates to succeed Fernando Santos as Portugal’s next coach

A Selecao’s coach stepped down from his role after getting knocked out against Morocco.

After a disheartening setback to Morocco, Portugal received an avalanche of criticism despite boasting great players who were unable to turn the score around. And Fernando Santos has attracted criticism for his tactics, which have frequently been appalling. After Portugal's elimination, the manager intimated that he will step down after the World Cup.

And there have been many top managers around Europe ready to assume Portugal's tasks as a coach, according to news stories Jose Mourinho has given his approval to become their head coach managing Portugal and Roma concurrently, although it is not yet confirmed, take a look at the top five managers who can replace Santos as Portugal manager below.

5. Ruben Amorim

If Portugal wants to sign someone from their own nation, Ruben Amorim is one of the better options. The 36-year-old has developed one of the strongest Sporting Lisbon, and he rose on the scene as a bright manager when he led SC Braga to the Portuguese League Cup in the 2019-20 season. He took over Sporting Lisbon in 2020 and has since directed them to the Primera Liga title, the Portuguese Cup, and the Super Cup.

4. Andre Villas-Boas

Many of you are acquainted with his name; a brief stint at Chelsea, Tottenham, Zenit, Porto, and Marseille engraved Viila-Boas' reputation as a respectable manager in Europe, despite his absence of success. Having won the Europa League and domestic titles in Portugal and Russia. However, following an amazing spell with Porto, he is a well-known manager in his native country, and it will come as no surprise if Portugal FA appoints him as their next manager.

3. Paul Fonseca

If Portugal is searching for a replacement, Fonseca is another viable choice. As a manager, he has won trophies with AS Roma, Braga, and Shakhtar Donetsk. Fonseca is the current coach of Ligue 1 giants Lille, who are presently eighth in the rankings. He is an adept tactician who employs young players, and he dominated the Ukrainian league with Shakhtar, winning an amazing seven trophies in three years. If Portugal is without another choice, Fonseca could be a suitable candidate for the national squad.

2. Sergio Conceicao

Sergio Conceicao, who has won every possible trophy in the league with Porto, might be another viable manager for the Portugal national team. Conceicao has pushed Porto to eight trophies since taking over in 2017 and has a decent record of 212 wins, 44 draws, and 39 losses in 295 games with a 71.86 win %.

1. Jose Mourinho

It would be a blessing for this Portugal team if Jose Mourinho took the helm of Portugal teams that are bursting at the seams with young talented players. There is no reason to suspect Mourinho's accomplishments leading Porto to the Champions League trophy, Inter Milan to the treble, and now a poor AS Roma to the UEFA Conference trophy, becoming the first manager to win a major European trophy and handing Roma their first trophy since the 2007-08 season. He's experienced everything as manager, and taking control of a squad like Portugal, which has a plethora of excellent players will be a cherry on top. Despite rumours that Mourinho has accepted the deal and will manage both Portugal and Roma simultaneously.