World Cup: The contenders to replace Fernando Santos as Portugal manager

Jose Mourinho and Paulo Fonseca are strong contenders to replace Fernando Santos, while Andre Villas-Boas has also previously expressed his desire to take the Portugal job. 

Portugal are on the hunt for a new manager after sacking Santos following their World Cup exit.

Mourinho is seen by many as the front-runner for the vacancy, despite reportedly having concerns over the job. 

The Mirror report that the Roma manager has interest in becoming an international manager though is not sure the job is right for him.

Mourinho was swamped with questions on his future by journalists following the news of Santos’ departure. 

Mourinho decided to stay quiet on the subject but there has been speculation that he could ‘job-share’, keeping his current role at Roma while also taking charge of his home nation, although doing both is extremely rare.

As previously reported, Ronaldo believes Mourinho is the key to extending his international career, after he was left on the bench towards the end of the World Cup.

Jose Mourinho could be key to Cristiano Ronaldo extending his international career

It follow Santos’ controversial decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo for both the last-16 win over Switzerland and the 1-0 defeat to Morocco, dominated headlines before they were sent home.

A number of other names also want the job, with Paulo Fonseca, Andre Villas-Boas and Portugal’s Under-21 manager Rui Jorge keen.

ESPN report that Fonseca and Jorge are both contenders for the job.

Lille manager, Fonseca, has close ties with the Portugal Football Federation after he and his wife Katerina, became ambassadors of an FPF project supporting the hosting, integration and employment of Ukrainian refugees. 

Fonseca’s attractive style of football would also appease the Portugal fans who have often became tired of Santos’ more conservative style. 

Lille manager Paulo Fonseca has close ties with the Portuguese Football Federation 

Rui Jorge has long been involved in the international set-up as Portugal’s Under-21 manager

The Mirror reported that former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has previously expressed his desire to take on the job in the past.

The 45-year-old, told the Sun earlier this year that he wants an international job before the 2026 World Cup before he would then consider an early retirement from manager. 

Villas-Boas though has been out of management for some time having left Marseille in February 2021.

Andre Villas-Boas (left) has previously expressed a desire in becoming Portugal manager

Though not linked with the job, there are a number of managers with experience coaching in Portugal who could also be looked at by the Portuguese Football Federation if their main targets fall through.

Sergio Conceicao has impressed in his five year stint at Porto while Sporting Libson manager Ruben Amorim has been linked to a host of jobs. 

Paulo Bento, who managed Portugal from 2010 to 2014, recently left his role as manager of South Korea.

Paulo Bento previously held the job and impressed with South Korea at the World Cup

Bento led the Asian nation to the Round of 16 in Qatar after a 2-1 victory over Portugal which saw them finish ahead of Uruguay and Ghana in their group. 

Santos was manager of Portugal for eight years and led them to success back at Euro 2016.

The Portuguese Football Federation though decided to make a change after their shock defeat to Morocco, as they now focus on Euro 2024.