Aston Villa & Arsenal stars see international boss sacked after just six games in charge

Matty Cash’s international manager Fernando Santos has been sacked by Poland after just six games in charge of the Eastern European nation.

The Polish Football Association (PZPN) made the decision following a 2-0 loss to Albania on Sunday, which marked a third defeat in five competitive outings. Aston Villa defender Cash played the full game after being named on the bench for last week’s 2-0 home win over the Faroe Islands.

Santos oversaw a 1-0 friendly win over Germany in June but Poland are behind Albania, Moldova and the Czech Republic in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, despite being drawn as top seeds.

“I would like to thank coach Santos for working with our national team and I wish him good luck in his next sports challenges,” said Cezary Kulesza, president of the Polish FA.

“The selection of a new coach is now a priority for the PZPN management board, so we will soon announce when the presentation of the new coach will take place.”

Santos said: “Although we end our relation here I am thankful for having led the Polish national team and I wish the best to Poland and its people who welcomed me so well while I lived here.”

Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior is another Premier League player who currently plays for the Polish national team, having started both of the recent Euro qualifying fixtures.

Cash’s appearance against Albania was his 13th cap for Poland. He was born and raised in England but qualifies to play for the country through his mother and was granted Polish citizenship in October 2021.

He said after claiming his Polish passport: “This is a very important and proud day for me and my family. My application to get a Polish citizenship has been approved by Polish authorities. I would like to thank the president, my family and other people who helped me. Now it’s time for a new challenge. I will give my all for this country.”

He made his international debut in a 4-1 win over Andorra in November 2021 and scored his first goal in a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands.