Portugal replaces Fernando Santos with Roberto Martinez
While Brazil struggle to find another manager for its national team, Portugal has moved ahead to replace Fernando Santos. The Portuguese manager fell on his sword after failing to guide A Seleção past Morocco in the quarter-final of the World Cup.
With matches coming up soon, Portugal has opted for another manager who also failed at the World Cup.
A Seleção confirmed the appointment of Roberto Martinez as their new manager. The former Belgium manager takes over from the recently departed Fernando Santos.
Roberto Martinez – A curious pick
One would think Portugal would go for a more illustrious manager to take over from Santos, but A Seleção has opted for a man who barely has anything to show for his many years as a manager. They confirmed the signing of former Everton manager Roberto Martinez.
Martinez has been at the helm with the Red Devils for six years, and led them to one of their worst World Cup outings. Perhaps his work with the ‘Golden Generation’ of Belgium convinced the Portugal hierarchy that he could do a better job with them. Martinez is understandably delighted at landing the Portugal role.
At his unveiling, Martinez said he was happy to represent one of the most talented teams in the world. He called the Portugal assignment – the project he wanted. Martinez said he understands Portugal has high expectations and goals but also has a large group working to fulfil them.
Martinez led Belgium to a third-place finish in the 2018 World Cup. He inherits a group of talented players. They include Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes, Goncalo Ramos, Bernardo Silva, and the highest goalscorer in men’s international football at his disposal – Cristiano Ronaldo.
