Portugal coach Paulo Bento has quit the national side by mutual consent, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced.
Portugal coach Paulo Bento leaves role after shock Albania defeat
The former Portuguese international's last match at the helm was a 1-0 home defeat to Albania last Sunday in their first qualifying match for UEFA EURO 2016.
A tenacious, tough-tackling defensive midfielder during his playing career, the 45-year-old took over the national side in September 2010 and last April extended his contract until 2016.
During his time in charge of the Portuguese national team, they qualified for the UEFA EURO 2012 and reached the semi-finals, losing to Spain in a penalty shoot-out. Bento qualified Portugal for the 2014 FIFA World Cup after successfully defeating Sweden in a play-off.
Despite being captained by star striker Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal bowed out in the group stage of the Brazil 2014 in July.
The FPF said that his successor "will be announced shortly" as they thanked Bento "for all he did for the national team".
Portugal are next in action in October, when they face France away in a friendly before going to Denmark in a EURO 2016 qualifier.
AFP
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