Portugal national team coach, Fernando Santos dismissed suggestions that Spain’s shock decision to sack Julen Lopetegui just 24 hours before the tournament kickoff would have any effect on the countries’ World Cup Group B game on Friday.
Santos played down suggestions that the decision had given Portugal the upper hand in the highly anticipated Iberian derby. “Spain has played the same way for 10 years, I don’t think it’s going to be important.”
Veteran Portugal midfielder Joao Moutinho even suggested that the coaching change could be a boost for Spain. “A negative effect? I don’t think so. “A positive effect, maybe,” Moutinho said.