Coach Paulo Bento has parted company with Portugal
Portugal have announced that coach Paulo Bento has vacated his position following a poor run of results.
The Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement on Thursday that Bento had departed by mutual consent and that his replacement would be announced soon.
Bento took charge in 2010 and led Portugal to the semi-finals of Euro 2012, where they lost on penalties to eventual winners Spain after a 0-0 draw.
However, they disappointed at the recent World Cup in Brazil, exiting at the group stage on goal difference after a defeat, a draw and a win in their three matches.
And, with star player Cristiano Ronaldo absent, Portugal’s Euro 2016 qualifying campaign began with a stunning 1-0 upset loss at home to Albania last Sunday.
Portuguese fans jeered and waved white handkerchiefs after the Albania loss, and Bento was believed to be under fierce pressure to quit.
The 45-year-old is a former Portugal midfielder and replaced Carlos Queiroz as boss of the national team in September 2010, having previously coached Sporting Lisbon.