Tiago Fernandes

Tiago Manuel Matos Fernandes (born 17 August 1981) is a Portuguese football manager and former player who played as a midfielder. He is the manager of Portimonense.

After a lower-league playing career, he began coaching in 2009, leading Sporting CP (interim) and Chaves in the Primeira Liga and Estoril, Leixões, Torreense and Portimonense in the second tier.

Playing career Born in Montijo, Fernandes represented C.D. Montijo, F.C. Barreirense and A.D. Samouquense as a youth. He made his senior debut with G.D. Alcochetense in the 2000–01 season, in Terceira Divisão.

Fernandes never played in any higher than Segunda Divisão B in his career, representing 1º de Maio F.C. Sarilhense, Atlético Clube Alcacerense, Alcochetense (three spells), Vitória F.C. B, C.D. Pinhalnovense, Clube Olímpico do Montijo (two spells) and Juventude F.C. Sarilhense, where he retired in 2015 at the age of 34.

On his professional management debut two days later, Fernandes' side won 2–1 at C.D. Santa Clara. He won his only other Primeira Liga game by the same score at home to G.D. Chaves on 11 November, with a goalless UEFA Europa League draw at Arsenal inbetween.

Fernandes returned to his assistant role after the appointment of Marcel Keizer. On 10 December 2018, however, he was named manager of Chaves.

After leaving Chaves on a mutual agreement on 9 March 2019, Fernandes took over G.D. Estoril Praia on 4 June. He was dismissed the following 7 January, after four consecutive defeats.

On 3 July 2020, Fernandes was named at the helm of fellow second division side Leixões S.C. He left the club on 4 October, after five winless matches.

Fernandes did not return to work until 7 June 2023, at S.C.U. Torreense's under-23 team. The following 28 May, he succeeded Tulipa as head coach. Having achieved the club aim of finishing in the top five by coming fourth in the second tier, he left on 15 May 2025.

On 1 July 2025, Fernandes was hired by Portimonense S.C. in the same league.

Personal life Fernandes' father Manuel Fernandes was also a footballer and manager.