Former Belgium boss Roberto Martinez poised to replace Fernando Santos as Portugal boss – report
ByTNT Sports
Updated 07/01/2023 at 14:02 GMT
The managerial merry-go-round kicked off with a series of departures after the World Cup in Qatar last month. Roberto Martinez vacated his role with Belgium following their exit at the group stage. There was plenty of talk about a return to club football, possibly in his native Spain, but it is now being claimed he is set to replace Fernando Santos at Portugal.
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Roberto Martinez looks set to remain in international football, as reports suggest he has agreed a contract with Portugal.
There were suggestions that the former Swansea, Wigan and Everton boss would make a return to club football.
A switch to La Liga had been mooted, but his head has seemingly been turned by the opportunity to take the reins of the Portugal national side.
Fernando Santos left the role as coach of Portugal following the World Cup in Qatar last month.
Santos’ exit left a vacancy to take charge of one of the most exciting sides in world football, and Martinez is on the brink of taking the reins.
According to David Ornstein of the Athletic, “Martinez has reached a verbal agreement to become the new head coach of Portugal’s national team.
"The appointment of the 49-year-old Spaniard is on course to be finalised by the end of next week.”
Martinez had been at the helm of Belgium since 2016, and there was huge expectation that a side containing Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku, to name three, would win silverware.
It never happened, with their best performance when taking third at the 2018 World Cup, and Martinez left on a low note after they crashed out of the 2022 World Cup at the group stage.
After stepping down, Martinez said: “It has been six years.
“I arrived with the clear idea of qualifying for the (2018) World Cup. Then we became so engaged with the project and won the bronze medal. I’m so proud of these players.
“It has been amazing. Six years where we’ve been able to do everything you want to do. The team has given people real joy. But this is the time for me to accept (it is over).”
It now seems he will get a second shot at international glory with a Portugal side ranked ninth in the world.
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