The Portuguese coach, Fernando Santos, has had a disastrous start to his tenure as the head coach of the Azerbejdżan national team. With five consecutive losses in the Nations League and two friendly defeats against Haiti and Białoruś, Santos’ team has failed to impress. The latest 0-2 defeat against Białoruś has sparked widespread criticism, with many calling for the coach’s resignation.
Santos, however, remains defiant, appealing for support from the government, coaches, journalists, and fans. He draws an analogy between his team and a child, emphasizing the need for encouragement and support, even in times of failure. This rhetoric is eerily familiar to those who followed his tenure as the head coach of the Polish national team.
A Pattern of Failure
Santos’ tenure in Azerbejdżan has been marked by a series of disappointing results, with the team failing to win a single game in their first eight matches. The only glimmer of hope was a goalless draw against Estonia. This lack of success has sparked widespread discontent among fans and critics, who question the wisdom of hiring a foreign coach for a hefty sum.
Conferencing the Blame
In a post-match press conference, Santos was quizzed about his team’s performance, particularly the error-prone display of central defender, Zamig Alijew. Santos defended the 23-year-old, citing his age and inexperience. However, this defense was quickly debunked, as it was revealed that Alijew was, in fact, 23 years old, not 20, as claimed by Santos.
When asked about his own future, Santos sidestepped the question, instead choosing to focus on the team’s progress. However, his words were met with skepticism, and many believe that his days as the head coach of Azerbejdżan are numbered.
A Familiar Script
Santos’ antics in Azerbejdżan bear an uncanny resemblance to his tenure in Poland. His appeal for support, his emphasis on the need for encouragement, and his tendency to deflect criticism are all familiar traits. However, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to turn things around in Azerbejdżan.
The Road Ahead
Azerbejdżan faces a daunting task in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with matches against Ukraine, Islandia, and Francja. The prospect of facing these powerhouses has sent shivers down the spines of Azerbejdżan fans, who fear that their team may be on the receiving end of a drubbing.
As for Santos, his future remains uncertain. Will he be able to turn things around, or will he become the latest casualty of Azerbejdżan’s footballing woes? Only time will tell.
Key Statistics:
* Azerbejdżan has lost five consecutive matches in the Nations League.
* The team has failed to win a single game in their first eight matches under Santos.
* Santos has been in charge of Azerbejdżan since 2023.
* Azerbejdżan faces Ukraine, Islandia, and Francja in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Sources:
* azerisport.com
* UEFA Nations League standings
* 2026 World Cup qualifying schedule
