Roberto Martinez has been named Portugal’s next head coach following the resignation of Fernando Santos after their World Cup quarter-final defeat by Morocco last month. Martinez, 49, was formerly the manager of Belgium and Everton and is looking forward to the challenge of leading one of the most talented national teams in the world.
The Spanish coach has been praised for his ability to bring out the best in his players, having led Belgium to the top of the Fifa rankings in 2018 and winning the 2013 FA Cup with Wigan. He is also credited with transforming Everton from mid-table mediocrity to a side that achieved a top-five finish in the Premier League.
His appointment is seen as a positive step forward for the Portuguese national team, which won the 2016 European but failed to progress beyond the group stage in Qatar. Despite the disappointment of their World Cup campaign, Martinez has said that his starting point will be the squad of 26 players that played in Qatar, including talismanic forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
Martinez will have his work cut out for him if he is to build on the success of the Santos era, but with a wealth of experience, an eye for talent, and an ability to bring out the best in his players, he could be just the man to take the Portuguese national team to the next level.