Steven Gerrard beaten to Poland job with Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Portugal boss Fernando Santos set to get gig
FORMER Portugal manager Fernando Santos is set to be appointed the new Poland boss, according to reports.
Czeslaw Michniewicz left his post at the end of last year following his Polish side’s last 16 exit at the World Cup.
Ex-Rangers and Aston Villa head coach Steven Gerrard had been linked with the international vacancy.
But according to Fabrizio Romano, Santos, who was sacked by Portugal last month after eight years in charge, is now expected to beat the Liverpool legend to the role.
Romano tweeted: “Poland are closing in on agreement to appoint Fernando Santos as new head coach — deal expected to be valid until June 2026.
“Former Portugal coach is discussing the final details to get it done soon.”
Santos led Portugal to glory at Euro 2016 as they beat France 1-0 in the final to lift the country’s first ever major trophy.
They were then eliminated by Uruguay in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup.
And they exited the following European Championship at the same stage, going down 1-0 to Belgium.
Then at the World Cup last month, Santos’ men were stunned by Morocco in the quarter-finals – a result which ended Cristiano Ronaldo‘s hopes of lifting the trophy.
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Santos, who has also coached the likes of Porto, Sporting Lisbon, Benfica and Greece, will inherit a Poland team spearheaded by Robert Lewandowski.
In Qatar, the Barcelona striker, 34, helped his country progress beyond the group stage for the first time since 1986.
They were then eliminated by defending champions France in the last 16, losing 3-1 following a Kylian Mbappe brace.
Santos is set to take them up to the next World Cup, with their Euros qualification group featuring Czech Republic, Albania, Faroe Islands and Moldova.
Santos has been replaced as Portugal manager by former Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.