Roberto Martinez named new head coach of Portugal's national football team
The 49-year-old Spanish coach left the Belgium national team in December after their early exit from the World Cup in Qatar.
"I thank Roberto Martínez for the enthusiasm and ambition with which he received the invitation from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). I wish you, dear Roberto, all the luck and I welcome you on behalf of the Portuguese people, secure in the knowledge that you will do everything you can to place the team of all of us in the decisions of the biggest international competitions. This is an important moment for the national team," said FPF president Fernando Gomes, before leaving words of praise for Fernando Santos.
"Allow me to reaffirm what an honour it has been to have Fernando Santos as national team coach since 2014. Together we have built the national team's happiest period with victory at Euro 2016, winning the Nations League in 2019, one of the best campaigns ever at the World Cup held in Qatar and strengthening the ties between the team of all of us and the 11 million Portuguese people. Thank you very much Fernando Santos, we are sure that the Portuguese will not forget what you have done in this house, which will forever be your home."
Fernando Gomes then explained the process of choosing the new helmsman, which resulted from the decision to "start a new cycle" that "aims to reach the World Cup-2026 as one of the strongest candidates for the title."
"The new coach would have to be ambitious, knowledgeable about international football, used to coaching players at the highest level, with experience in the best leagues, ideally also in the national teams. In building this profile, the place of birth of the new Portugal coach has never been relevant. We are a team formed by players who play or have played in different countries and championships," Gomes pointed out, stressing that "Roberto Martinez's career speaks for itself."
"In the first conversation with Roberto Martinez it was immediately clear that we were facing a coach who fit the profile designed. He, just like us at the FPF, believe that Portugal can and should always be in the final of major competitions. Being in the final means, at least, reaching the semi-finals in any competition. We are a football country. Portugal is a feared opponent and can beat any team," he said.
Martinez: We always have to dream high
"I will try to learn Portuguese as soon as possible (laughs). I'm very happy to be here and very happy to represent one of the most talented national teams in the world. The first time I spoke to the president of the FPF, I knew that this was the sporting project I was hoping for. I understand that there are many expectations, there are great goals, but I also understand that there is a great team at the FPF and in the City of Football. I hope that, all together, we will achieve our goals," Martinez said after being named.
"The objective must always be to dream high. The important thing is for the national team coach to understand the project: if you don't qualify for the Euros, you can't win; if you don't qualify the World Cup, you can't win the World Cup. We have to take small steps to lay the foundations and start in March with two important matches. This team has to represent the Portuguese people. My intention is very clear and that is why I am here. I believe in the project, I believe in the Portuguese player and I have the hope that we can grow together," he added about the team's aspirations.
When asked if Cristiano Ronaldo will be a part of his plans going forward, Martinez responded: "Decisions in football are taken on the pitch. I'm not a coach who makes decisions in an office. My starting point is to know everyone and, from there, to talk to all the players. The list of 26 from the last World Cup is my starting point and Cristiano is one of those players. He has 19 years in the national team and deserves the respect of having a conversation. From there we have to create, in 10 weeks, the best team for European qualification."
He also praised his predecessor Fernando Santos. "For me it's always easier to replace a great coach because you can continue the great work that has been done and we can't lose that. Each coach works in a different way, but the idea is to thank Fernando Santos for the work that has been done and try to keep the great things that there are in this team," Martinez said.