BTN News: With the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico on the horizon in 2026, the Euro 2024 tournament has significantly impacted the trajectories of various national team coaches. This article highlights how the tournament reinforced or tested the coaches’ tenures, from Luis de la Fuente of Spain to Sylvinho of Albania. We delve into the successes, challenges, and future outlooks for these football managers, exploring how their performances at Euro 2024 have shaped their careers and the expectations of their respective federations.
Spain: Luis de la Fuente’s Triumph
Luis de la Fuente emerged as the most strengthened coach after Euro 2024. His renewal until the next World Cup, secured just eleven days before the tournament’s start in Berlin, reflected a deep confidence in his leadership. Spain’s performance, from their debut against Croatia to the final against England, showcased the best football in the tournament. Initial doubts about his appointment and controversies, such as the applause for Rubiales, faded away with Spain’s success. After winning the European Championship, de la Fuente expressed his desire to continue, emphasizing mutual confidence with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
England: Gareth Southgate’s Endurance
Despite criticism, Gareth Southgate led England to their third major final, his second as a manager. While the team faced defeat, reaching the final validated his tenure. A potential elimination in the early rounds might have marked the end of his cycle, but his journey to the final step supports his continued leadership. Southgate, acknowledging the need for reflection and discussions, has yet to decide on his contract renewal.
France: Didier Deschamps’ Steadfast Leadership
Didier Deschamps, with 12 years as France’s coach, guided his team to a solid performance, reaching the semifinals. Though not the most spectacular in play, the results met the minimum expectations. With a contract until 2026, Deschamps’ position remains secure, as affirmed by the French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo following their semifinal loss to Spain.
Netherlands: Ronald Koeman’s Pragmatic Approach
Ronald Koeman, after returning to manage the Netherlands post-Barcelona, has built a solid, if unspectacular, team. Departing from the traditionally aesthetic Dutch style, Koeman focused on defensive solidity and counterattacks, with Gakpo as the offensive anchor. His strategy led the team to the semifinals, reinforcing his position for future tournaments.
Germany: Julian Nagelsmann’s Transitional Phase
Julian Nagelsmann, who replaced Flick, began his tenure with uncertainty. However, by recalling Toni Kroos and implementing his vision, he gradually stabilized Germany. Despite a quarterfinal exit to Spain, Nagelsmann’s partial success earned him a contract extension until 2026, allowing him to further develop his project.
Portugal: Roberto Martínez’s Mixed Results
After a successful stint with Belgium, Roberto Martínez faced the challenge of succeeding Fernando Santos in Portugal. His Euro 2024 journey started strong, including a decisive victory over Turkey, but faltered in the crucial stages. Despite the ups and downs, Martínez’s contract runs until 2026, giving him more time to solidify his team.
Italy: Luciano Spalletti’s Challenge
Luciano Spalletti’s impressive track record with Napoli did not translate to immediate success with Italy. The team’s early exit in the round of 16 highlighted a lack of star power in Italian football. Despite media criticism, Spalletti has been given another cycle, but with limited room for error.
Croatia: Zlatko Dalić at a Crossroads
Zlatko Dalić, the architect of Croatia’s golden era, faces a critical juncture. His tenure, marked by significant successes, has hit a stumbling block with Euro 2024’s disappointing outcome. With key veteran players nearing the end of their careers, Dalić must rebuild his squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Turkey: Vincenzo Montella’s Steady Hand
Vincenzo Montella, who took charge of Turkey during uncertain times, led the team to their second-best Euro performance, reaching the quarterfinals. His success has cemented his position, reflecting his ability to navigate challenging circumstances.
Belgium: Domenico Tedesco’s Rebuilding Phase
Domenico Tedesco, who took over from Roberto Martínez, is guiding Belgium through a generational transition. Despite internal conflicts and an early exit at Euro 2024, his contract until the 2026 World Cup indicates continued trust in his vision for the team’s future.
Austria: Ralf Rangnick’s Innovative Approach
Ralf Rangnick, a pioneer of modern German football, has revitalized Austria. Despite defensive issues, his dynamic and attractive playstyle led to a strong group stage performance. Although Austria did not advance past the round of 16, Rangnick’s position is secure, having declined club offers to continue with the national team.
Switzerland: Murat Yakin’s Solid Foundation
Switzerland’s strong showing at Euro 2024 is credited to Murat Yakin. The team’s journey to the quarterfinals, narrowly missing out on the semifinals due to penalties, has earned Yakin a contract extension until 2026, underscoring his successful tenure.
Denmark: Kasper Hjulmand’s Decline
Kasper Hjulmand, who gained fame for Denmark’s Euro 2020 semifinal run, has seen his performance decline. An early exit from the 2022 World Cup and a round of 16 departure at Euro 2024 have put pressure on Hjulmand, though his contract runs until 2026.
Romania: Edward Iordănescu’s Uncertain Future
Edward Iordănescu’s Euro 2024 performance boosted his profile, but Romania’s early exit leaves his future in doubt. The Romanian Football Federation is keen to retain him, but his continuation remains undecided.
Slovakia: Francesco Calzona’s Revival
Francesco Calzona has revitalized Slovakia, leading them to the round of 16 and nearly upsetting England. With a contract until 2025, Calzona’s successful campaign ensures his stay as coach.
Czech Republic: Ivan Hašek’s Tough Start
Ivan Hašek’s first major test as Czech Republic’s coach was disappointing. The team’s lack of top-tier talent and early exit highlight the challenges Hašek faces. His contract runs through the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, providing him time to address these issues.
Georgia: Willy Sagnol’s Historic Achievement
Willy Sagnol made history by leading Georgia to their first international tournament. Despite an early exit in the knockout stages, his success has been celebrated, and his contract runs until the end of the year.
Slovenia: Matjaž Kek’s Consistency
Matjaž Kek’s second tenure with Slovenia saw another impressive performance, reaching the round of 16 at Euro 2024. His continued success has secured his position for another cycle.
Hungary: Marco Rossi’s Endurance
Marco Rossi, despite Hungary’s early elimination, has been retained to lead the team in their quest for a World Cup berth, aiming to break a 40-year absence.
Serbia: Dragan Stojković’s Struggle
Dragan Stojković has struggled to instill a winning mentality in Serbia. With a challenging group stage, his task is to overcome the team’s mental fragility ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
Scotland: Steve Clarke’s Challenge
Steve Clarke continues to grapple with Scotland’s historical struggles in major tournaments. Despite failing to advance past the group stage, his contract extends to 2026, giving him a chance to lead Scotland to their first World Cup since 1998.
Albania: Sylvinho’s Limited Success
Sylvinho, a former La Liga player, led Albania to their second Euro appearance but managed only a single point. With his contract ending soon, his future with the team is uncertain.
Poland: Michał Probierz’s Efforts
Michał Probierz guided Poland to Euro 2024 through a playoff but failed to advance past the group stage. Despite this, his contract extends to 2026, giving him time to develop the team further.
Ukraine: Serhiy Rebrov’s Determination
Serhiy Rebrov, an iconic Ukrainian forward, faced a challenging Euro 2024. An early loss set the tone, but the team’s potential remains. With a contract for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Rebrov aims to secure Ukraine’s spot in 2026.
Euro 2024 has been a proving ground for these coaches, shaping their careers and setting the stage for the next big challenge: the 2026 World Cup. Each coach, through triumphs and trials, has left an indelible mark on their teams, driving them towards future successes and challenges.
