Official: Ex-Benfica man kicked out of Azerbaijan amid fierce criticism | OneFootball

It’s official! Fernando Santos has been dismissed from the Azerbaijan national team. The former Benfica coach was ousted from his managerial position after 11 games, in which he recorded two draws and nine defeats. Tensions had escalated in recent days, and the 5-0 loss to Iceland was truly the last straw.

"Today, the AFFA Executive Committee terminated its contract with Fernando Santos by mutual agreement. Aykhan Abbasov will lead the team in tomorrow’s match," said Jahangir Farajullayev, Secretary-General of the Azerbaijan Football Federation, as quoted by Azerisport.

The same official had already criticized the coach’s performance at the helm of the national team: "We respect the opponent, but if we play like this and stay on the defense from the very first minutes, then that will be our problem. The tactical system was chosen incorrectly. The coach didn’t do his homework. The coach’s attitude towards football and the Azerbaijani people is inappropriate."

After the defeat against Iceland, Fernando Santos refused to step down, but ultimately was dismissed: "Am I thinking about resigning? No. I have a contract and I try to do my best here. I respect my contract. AFFA [Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan] will decide."

"Why should I resign? Tell me one coach who resigns. If you see that I’m doing something wrong, talk to me and solve the problem," said the former Benfica coach, who is, once again, a free agent.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.