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Portugal manager Fernando Santos has come under intense scrutiny following his team's disappointing defeat to Serbia in the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers on Sunday. Santos saw his team stunned 2-1 at the Estadio da Luz by the inspired visitors. A draw would have sufficed for Portugal to qualify for the showpiece tournament as group winners.
Following their loss, Portugal conceded top spot to Serbia in Group A, and will now need to tread the treacherous playoff route to seal their spot in Qatar. Santos' men now have a mountain to climb to make it into next year's World Cup. They'll now take on one of the group runner-ups in a two-legged playoff tie earl next year
Considering the pedigree of stars in Portugal's squad, it is highly disappointing to see them drop to the playoffs. That makes it easy to understand why many are furious with head coach Fernando Santos for failing to bring the best out of the team.
In fact, the tactician's job is on the line at the moment. It won't be a surprise if he gets dismissed anytime soon, especially if his team fails to navigate the playoffs.
As the gaffer continues to fight for his future, here's a look at five managers who could replace Santos should he end up losing his job:
#5 Ruben Amorim
One of the youngest managers in European football right now, Ruben Amorim is doing wonders with Sporting Lisbon. The 36-year-old's team has arguably been the most impressive in the Portuguese top flight this season, sitting atop the table alongside Porto, with 28 points from 11 games.
Amorim introduced himself to the football world when he led SC Braga to the Portuguese League Cup in the 2019-20 campaign. He joined Sporting Lisbon last year, and has already led them to the Primera Liga title, Portuguese Cup and Super Cup.
#4 Andre Villas-Boas
Andre Villas-Boas has enjoyed a remarkable managerial career, working with the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Zenit, Porto and Olympique Marseille. The tactician has won many honours, including the Europa League and domestic trophies across Portugal and Russia.
Villas-Boas is a popular figure in Portugal, thanks to his impressive spell with FC Porto, with whom he won the domestic treble in 2010-11. It certainly won't be a surprise if he becomes the next manager of Portugal.
#3 Paulo Fonseca
Paulo Fonseca is another decent option to become Portugal's next manager, should Fernando Santos face the axe anytime soon. There are already multiple rumours making the rounds, linking the tactician with the national team job.
That has to do with the fact that he is currently without a job after seeing out his contract with AS Roma at the end of last season. Apart from the Serie A giants, the 48-year-old has also worked with Shakhtar Donetsk, outside of Portugal.
Fonseca is a known figure in Portuguese football, following his successful spells with SC Braga and FC Porto. The most impressive project of his career so far came at Shakhtar Donetsk, where he won an incredible seven trophies in just three years.
#2 Sergio Conceicao
Another decent option who could take over from Fernando Santos as Portugal's head coach is Sergio Conceicao, the current manager of FC Porto. The tactician is doing a great job at the Estadio do Dragao right now, with his team currently leading the race for the Primera Liga title.
Since taking charge of Porto in July 2017, Conceicao has led the Dragons to claim an impressive five trophies. That includes two league titles, one Portuguese Cup and two Portuguese Super Cups. He also boasts a decent record of 166 victories, 34 draws and 34 defeats in his 234 games in charge so far.
#1 Jose Mourinho
There's no way Jose Mourinho, arguably the most successful Portuguese managers in history, can be ignored in this list. The tactician has had an enviable managerial career at club level. But he has never delved into international football before.
Mourinho has won everything there's in club football. The tactician made history by winning the Champions League and Europa League. He has also won domestic trophies across England, Italy, Spain and Portugal. He has also managed some of the biggest clubs in world football, including Real Madrid, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Manchester United.
The 58-year-old possesses vast experience and popularity. That would make him an instant favourite to become the next Portugal manager should Fernando Santos be sacked. Mourinho is currently managing Serie A outfit AS Roma, with whom he has recorded ten victories, two draws and six defeats in his 18 games in charge so far this season.
