Roberto Martinez Announced As New Portugal Coach

Posted by Thandiubani on Mon 09th Jan, 2023 - tori.ng

Martinez resigned as Belgium manager after the Red Devils failed to progress to the knockout stage of the World Cup finals, placing third in Group F behind Morocco and Croatia.

Roberto Martinez has been appointed as new manager of Portugal.

The former Belgium, Everton and Wigan Athletic manager reportedly signed a contract until 2026.

He takes over from the long-serving Fernando Santos, who departed after Portugal's World Cup quarter-final exit to Morocco.

Martinez resigned as Belgium manager after the Red Devils failed to progress to the knockout stage of the World Cup finals, placing third in Group F behind Morocco and Croatia.

Reports over the weekend stated that Martinez had verbally agreed to become Portugal's new manager, and he was officially unveiled by the Selecao on Monday morning.

President Fernando Gomes delivered a speech to the media to welcome Martinez, who will be given "time and support" to achieve success with A Selecao in the coming years.

"Good morning everyone and thank you for accepting the invitation to present the new coach of Portugal, Roberto Martinez, whom I thank for the enthusiasm and ambition with which he received the invitation from the Portuguese Football Federation," Gomes said.

"I also emphasize the sign of courage that he gives us all, since he accepts to succeed the most titled coach at the head of the Portuguese national team. I wish you all the luck and welcome you, on behalf of the Portuguese people, certain that you will do everything to put our team in the decisions of the biggest international competitions.

"This is an important moment for the National Team. Roberto Martinez's path speaks for itself. As a coach, he has built a career based on the permanent acquisition of skills and work.

"In the first conversation with Robert Martinez it was immediately clear that he was facing a coach who fit the profile drawn. He, like us at the FPF, believes that Portugal can and should always be in the decision of major competitions.

"And being in the final means, at least, accessing the semi-finals. In any test. This is what we aspire to, this is the DNA of the Federation."

Martinez began his managerial career at Swansea City before moving to Wigan, who stunned Manchester City in the 2013 FA Cup final under the Spaniard's wing, and he was in charge of Everton for three years until 2016.