Fernando Santos: Underfire Ex Portugal Coach Caught 'Catnapping' During Euro 2024 Qualifiers

• Poland manager Fernando Santos appears to be exhausted from the mounting pressure
• The ex-Portugal boss was spotted 'dozing off' at a presser
• His new side, Poland, could miss out on Euro 2024 after enduring a poor run of form

Former Portugal manager Fernando Santos seemed to be reenacting the classic "nap time" scenario during a post-match presser.

Santos, who was shown the exit door from Portugal after the 2022 World Cup, has been steering the ship for Poland since January.

However, his tenure with Poland hasn't exactly been a blockbuster hit, as the team continues to stumble under his guidance.

The latest episode featured Poland suffering a rather humbling defeat at the hands of Albania, leaving them languishing in 4th place in Group E of the Euro 2024 qualifiers, Sportstar reports.

Poland's poor form under Santos

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To paint a clearer picture, the Poles, sitting at a mere 6 points, are a whopping four points behind the group leaders, Albania, who are comfortably perched at 10 points.

The Czech Republic is snug in 2nd place with 8 points and a game in hand on both sides.

Moldova also rests on 8 points in 3rd place. It's a situation where Poland must deliver a flawless performance in their remaining three games to have any shot at grabbing one of the two automatic qualification spots.

Fernando Santos 'sleeps' at presser

Apparently, the mounting pressure on Fernando Santos has taken its toll on the seasoned coach, and a recent video circulating on social media is a testament to this.

In the video, spotted by Sports Brief, the 68-year-old, looking utterly drained, was caught in a "catnap" moment while awaiting questions from the media.

To drive the point home, he even sneakily checked his wristwatch, suggesting he couldn't wait for the presser to conclude so he could finally catch some well-deserved Z's (sleep).

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Will Santos resign as pressure mounts?

When questioned during the post-match press conference about whether he plans to step down from his role, Santos responded with unwavering determination.

“Neither today nor tomorrow,” he replied, as quoted by portuGOAL.

“Do I think I will continue? You have to ask the president about that. If he decides that he doesn't want me as a coach, he'll talk to me, and we'll find a solution. There will always be a solution.

Portugal axe Santos after World Cup disappointment

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Fernando Santos has been sacked as Portugal's coach after their disappointing World Cup quarter-final elimination to Morocco.

The manager had enjoyed success with the national side as he helped them to the trophy at Euro 2016, just two years after he was appointed.