Belgium head coach and technical director Roberto Martinez is out following a group stage elimination at the World Cup.
The Red Devils drew against Croatia, but finished behind the 2018 runner-up by one point. Morocco, who defeated Belgium on matchday two, advanced as group champions after their win over Canada.
After the game, Roberto Martínez spoke to the media. There he announced that the draw against Croatia was, indeed, his last game in office.
Martinez took over as Belgium head coach in August 2016. Back then, Everton sacked Martinez from the Goodison Park manager after a poor season. In 2015/16 the Toffees finished 12th but reached the semi-finals of both the League Cup and the FA Cup. He took charge of a Belgian team that lost to Wales in the quarterfinals.
In Martínez’s tenure with Belgium, the team finished third at the 2018 World Cup. At Euro 2020, Belgium reached the quarterfinals. In both cases, Belgium lost by one goal to the eventual champions.
Roberto Martínez, out as Belgium coach after mistake in the World Cup
Despite the surprise departure, Martínez always saw the 2022 World Cup as his last foray with the Belgium team. However, the four points won in the group stage and the failure to reach the round of 16 might decide his fate for him.
Now that Martinez is no longer in Belgium, his coaching exploits are available elsewhere. In fact, The Telegraph reports that Martinez wants to return to the club game. The Spaniard has experience with Wigan, Swansea and Everton, and could be ready to return to England.
Additionally, Everton offered Martinez the chance to return to Goodison Park earlier this year. While the manager expressed interest, he wanted to take over Everton’s job and Belgium’s head coach job at the same time. Now, he is off work with Belgium.
Guillem Balagué reports that Martínez often spoke about the legacy he would leave behind as Belgium’s head coach. Belgium has never won a major international trophy. However, he had the talent to do it. Third place in 2018 was the closest Belgium came to the World Cup.
Croatia and Morocco, not Belgium, will have a shot at World Cup glory this year.
PHOTO: IMAGO / MexSport Agency
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