Fernando Santos led Portugal to victory at Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League but quit after their exit in the World Cup quarter-finals at the hands of African giant, Morocco.
According to Sanchez, working in Poland is a big honour for him, saying that his first goal will be to make it to the 2024 European Championships.
He said “It is an honour to continue my work as a trainer here,” the 68-year-old said.
Cezary Kulesza, head of the Polish Football Federation, said “we have chosen the best” and “the choice was difficult”, as he tasked Santos with qualifying for the 2024 European Championship in Germany.
Santos previously managed Greece from 2010-2014 and led them to the Euros and World Cup, where they exited at the quarter-finals and round of 16 respectively.
“For me it’s very important in Poland to do what I did in the past – I want to leave a legacy here, something for the future. The world of soccer is changing, so I want to lay the foundation for a new future for the national team,” stated the new coach.
He also mentioned that he has no plans for a revolution, but to work hard and improve everything that has been there so far.
“It’s important to have a co-worker who is Polish. In the initial phase it’s very important – he knows the mentality, the personality better, and can convey my ideas better,” he stressed.
The Portuguese said that he has already spoken with Łukasz Piszczek and Tomasz Kaczmarek, who are candidates for his assistants, in Poland.
When asked about his goals Santos replied that he “wants to win everything”.
“I know that this is not always possible, because we have opponents on the other side. That’s why it’s very important to work out these rivals. I have a man on my staff for this task,” he added.
The Portuguese stated that he will not try to carry out a generational replacement in the team at any cost.
“Those who know my career know that I have introduced many young players to my teams, but it is not age that is most important to me. Quality is the basis. Technique, tactics, mentality,” he stressed.
Santos’ contract will run for three and half years, spanning two major tournaments, Euro 2024 and World Cup 2026.
Poland will begin the Euro 2024 qualifiers in March, facing the Czech Republic away and Albania at home.
