Former Portugal coach Fernando Santos was named head of Poland’s national football team at an official ceremony in Warsaw on Tuesday.
“As of today, I am Polish, declared Mr. Santos, I am one of you, it is an honor to continue my coaching work here”. “The choice was difficult, but we chose the best,” said Polish Football Federation (PZPN) President Cezary Kulesza. “Our first goal is qualification for the European Cup.” .
The new coach will succeed Czeslaw Michniewicz, dismissed last month after leading the Eagles to the round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar, where they were eliminated (3-1) by France, future finalist. Poland finished second in their group, behind eventual champions Argentina (2-0 winner), after beating Saudi Arabia (2-0) and drawing with Mexico (0-0).
Much criticized by the press in his country for Poland’s ultra-defensive approach during the tournament, Michniewicz was also singled out by the PZPN for a “lack of vision on the functioning and the future of the team”.
