What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Fernando Santos has resigned as the head coach of the Azerbaijan national football team. The decision was announced by the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) and was made by mutual agreement. Santos, who took charge of the team in June 2024, stepped down following a heavy 5-0 defeat to Iceland in the first round of the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches. Aykhan Abbasov, previously associated with Azerbaijan's U-21 team, will prepare the team for their upcoming match against Ukraine. Santos has a long history of coaching, having previously managed teams such as Estoril, Porto, and the national teams of Portugal, Greece, and Poland.
Why It's Important?
The resignation of Fernando Santos marks a significant change for the Azerbaijan national team, which is currently navigating the challenging waters of World Cup qualification. Santos, a veteran coach with a successful track record, including leading Portugal to a European Championship title, was expected to bring experience and stability to the team. His departure could impact the team's performance and morale, especially as they face upcoming matches against strong opponents like Ukraine and France. The change in leadership might also affect the team's strategic approach and player development, influencing Azerbaijan's future in international football.
What's Next?
Azerbaijan will host Ukraine in their next World Cup qualifying match, with Aykhan Abbasov stepping in as the interim coach. The team will need to regroup and strategize under new leadership to improve their performance. Following the match against Ukraine, Azerbaijan is scheduled to play against France in October. These matches will be crucial for Azerbaijan's chances in the World Cup qualifiers, and the team's ability to adapt to the coaching change will be closely watched by fans and analysts.
AI Generated Content
Do you find this article useful?
