Former Everton, Wigan and Swansea boss Roberto Martinez has been chosen by the Belgium Football Association to fill the job of head coach. The previous head coach, Marc Wilmots, resigned last month after his side were defeated by Wales in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016. Martinez, aged 43, lost his job at Everton in May after a disappointing season that ended his three-year spell at the Toffees.
The Belgian Football Association advertised the position online and several coaches sent their applications. Among other requirements for the job the Belgian FA insisted the new head coach should be a "strong and open communicator", with a "proven track record in transmitting tactical and strategic knowledge" to top-class players. After reaching the decision, the FA issued a statement saying it was "delighted and proud to have found a coach at this level so quickly".
Martinez has solid knowledge about a few Belgium internationals, at Everton he managed Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas. He will have lots of talented players to choose from as Belgium currently have one of the largest selections of high-profile players in Europe. They have not been able to get results with the national team yet though. Martinez will start his spell as Belgium head coach with a friendly match against Spain, his home nation, on September 1.
Belgium are 16/1 at Bet365 to win the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
mannixx
7 years ago
I was really suprised by this news. There are so many coaches that are free and they chose inexperienced Martinez. They alredy tryed with Marc Wilson that was also inexperienced and now they are making the same mistake. Such a waste for a talented group of players that they have.
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
muzejpri
7 years ago
I must say I am a bit shocked when I heard this. When I heard what is stated above " new head coach should be a "strong and open communicator", with a "proven track record in transmitting tactical and strategic knowledge" to top-class players" I expected some big name to be on new Belgium head coach position. Why you ask?...
I must say I am a bit shocked when I heard this. When I heard what is stated above " new head coach should be a "strong and open communicator", with a "proven track record in transmitting tactical and strategic knowledge" to top-class players" I expected some big name to be on new Belgium head coach position. Why you ask? Well since they have their golden generation on footballers, an generation they have worked so much on a systematically retired some good players decade ago so this generation can win some trophies.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.