Portugal announce Roberto Martinez as new manager
Portugal have confirmed the appointment of Roberto Martinez as their new manager.
The former Belgium, Everton and Wigan Athletic manager – who has signed a contract until 2026 – 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.
The 49-year-old took charge of 79 matches for Belgium, posting 56 wins, 13 draws and 10 defeats, but he failed to lead the ‘golden generation’ of Red Devils players to a major trophy.
“Dear Roberto, although your relationship with the FPF is only a few days old, I think you’ve already understood what you can count on: a permanent desire to progress and win, confidence, stability, organization, work capacity and, I’m sure, the support of the Portuguese who are a people passionate about the national team,” Gomes added.
“Coaches need time and support to build teams. This is very clear at FPF, it has been like this since I arrived here, in December 2011. It won’t be any different now. Roberto, we will do everything to make your cycle at the head of the national team a long and happy one.”
Before stepping down from his position as Portugal manager, Santos – who had been in charge since 2014 – led the Iberian nation to glory in Euro 2016 and the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League.
Portugal will face Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Luxembourg, Slovakia and Liechtenstein in Euro 2024 qualifying Group J, and Martinez’s first game in charge will come against Liechtenstein on March 23.
