Roberto Martinez set to become the new coach of Portugal

Roberto Martinez in charge of Belgium at Qatar 2022

Roberto Martinez set to become the new coach of Portugal

Faruq Ibrahim 15:30 - 07.01.2023

Roberto Martinez has reportedly been named as the incoming coach of the Portuguese national team.

According to reports, Roberto Martinez and the Portuguese Football Federation have verbally agreed that Martinez will take over as Portugal's next coach.

The role became vacant after the contract of former coach Fernando Santos was mutually terminated following a quarter-final defeat to Morocco at the World Cup.

A new coach is set to be in charge of A Selecao, and reports suggest it would be former Belgian manager Roberto Martinez, who himself saw Belgium through a disappointing World Cup campaign in which they were knocked out in the group stage.

Roberto Martinez agrees to coach Portugal

The 49-year-old Spanish manager Roberto Martinez has agreed to take over as the new head coach of Portugal's national team, according to The Athletic.

Croatia v Belgium: Group F - FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qatar 2022 DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 01: Belgian Head Coach Roberto Martinez during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group F match between Croatia and Belgium
Croatia v Belgium: Group F - FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qatar 2022 DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 01: Belgian Head Coach Roberto Martinez during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group F match between Croatia and Belgium

A verbal agreement has been reached, and the formalities are set to be completed by the end of next week, according to the report.

Martinez got other offers, including a query from Belgian powerhouse Club Brugge, but the Spaniard declined them and is now set to take over as the coach of the ninth-ranked national team in the world.

Portugal get an experienced manager

The former Swansea, Wigan, and Everton manager coached Belgium from 2016 to 2022.

Roberto Martinez manager of Everton stands in front of the dugout - English FA Cup fourth Round - Carlisle Utd vs Everton
Roberto Martinez manager of Everton stands in front of the dugout - English FA Cup fourth Round - Carlisle Utd vs Everton

 He was in charge for 79 games in that period, and Belgium were ranked the number-one national team for most of his stay.

They enjoyed a streak at the top from September 2018 through March 2022, when they were replaced by Brazil.

Martinez did not manage to win trophies with the Belgian national team, but for the period he was in charge, they were the most consistent team in the world, a feat Portugal would hope he can replicate with them.

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