Lisbon: The Portugal Football Federation have appointed Roberto Martinez as the national men's football team's new coach until the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Martinez has rich coaching experience, having managed Belgium for more than six years, and also being at the helm of affairs for Premier League club Everton.
The president of the FPF, Fernando Gomes, stated that Martinez was his first and only option to lead the national team because he had "the desired profile" and the ability to lead Portugal "in the decisions of major competitions."
"He would have to be ambitious, knowledgeable about international football, used to training players at the highest level, and with experience in major leagues and national teams. The place of birth of the new coach was never relevant," said Gomes.
The 49-year-old is the third foreigner to coach the Portuguese national team, having already worked at English clubs Swansea, Wigan, and Everton.
He succeeds the sacked Fernando Santos, who led the Portuguese national team since 2014, having won Euro 2016 and the 2019 European Nations League.
"A new 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 at service: welcome, Coach Roberto Martínez! #WearTheFlag," Team Portugal wrote in a post welcoming their new coach.
"Hello Portugal. I am very happy to be here. See you soon," Martinez says in a video shared by the official handle of the team. "I am delighted to represent one of the most talented teams in the world," he was quoted as saying in a different tweet.
"My point of departure will be the squad of 26 players who played in the World Cup, and Cristiano Ronaldo is one of them," the Spaniard said at a media conference.
He added that he would be taking his decision on the pitch and not in an office. With him at the helm of affairs Belgium were at the top of the FIFA world rankings for over three years. However, they failed to replicate that form and consistency in the FIFA World Cup.
(With Inputs from IANS)