Roberto Martinez 'verbally agrees' to coach Portugal

The Spaniard was rumoured to be considering a return to club management

By Web Desk
January 08, 2023
Roberto Martinez coached Belgium for six years — Reuters 

Despite leading Belgium's unsuccessful FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar, Roberto Martinez reportedly has a "verbal agreement" to fill the vacant manager's position for Portugal.

According to The Athletic, the agreement should be completed "by the end of next week."

After leaving his position as coach of Belgium, the Spaniard was rumoured to be considering a return to club management, but it appears that he has decided to stay in the world of international football.

Martinez was in the position for six years before his contract with Belgium was formally terminated at the end of December.

Martinez guided Belgium to their greatest FIFA World Cup result under his supervision, finishing third in Russia in 2018.

Prior to leading the team at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Belgium lost to eventual champions Italy in the quarter-finals of the Euro 2020 tournament.

Despite entering the competition as FIFA's second-ranked squad in the world, Martinez oversaw a poor campaign in which Belgium was eliminated in the group stages.

Since beginning the role, players like Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Dries Mertens, Thibaut Courtois, and Thomas Meunier have all been at the height of their abilities and have played a significant role.

Martinez stated last month that he wanted to take a break to be with his family before determining his course of action, but he later said he would be available for negotiations starting in January.

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