Roberto Martinez has confirmed he will remain as Belgium head coach despite his side’s poor showing at Euro 2020 and constant speculation linking him with a return to club management.
The former Everton boss has been touted as a potential replacement for a number of outgoing bosses at high-profile clubs this summer, with links only growing stronger after the Red Devils suffered a shock quarter-final exit at this summer’s European Championship.
Despite rumours his time at the helm of Belgium could soon be coming to an end, Martinez has now confirmed he will continue in the role and that he’s relishing the return of the Nations League in October.
“There has been a lot of talk about my future, before, during and after the tournament,” he said as reported by HLN. “I always find it hard to talk about myself because this isn’t about me. It’s about creating the best possible conditions in which footballers can work and develop.
“I still see a lot of energy in this group and this project is still on the rise. This team is now ready to move on, to get back on the field. September can’t come soon enough. Afterwards there is the Nations League.”
Belgium’s failure at yet another international tournament has led many to suggest their so-called ‘golden generation’ have missed their chance to secure major honours.
However, Martinez believes he’ll be able to retain the core of the group and isn’t expecting any imminent announcements from his side regarding international retirement.
“Nobody thinks about quitting,” he said. “The players of this team immediately spring up and want to continue, to do better. On the other hand, there are also no players that I am dissatisfied with and will therefore no longer call. The players have not failed at this tournament.”
Looking ahead to the future, Martinez says he’s excited by the next crop of Belgian players already making a name for themselves with the national team, adding that the next 12 months are going to be a key time for their development.
“There is a list of twelve young players who are already involved in the national team,” he added. “Four of them have already tasted several times: Jeremy Doku, Zinho Vanheusden, Charles De Ketelaere and Yari Verschaeren.
“The next 12 months are going to be very important for them, they have to dare to compete with the older guard. Our job is to put the young people in the right environment, to create conditions in which they can perform, after that you have to let football decide.”
With Martinez moving to clear up any speculation regarding his own future, attention soon turned to his assistant Thierry Henry, though he could provide no such assurances that the Arsenal legend would remain in his current role.
“At the moment, no decision has been made about a possible collaboration in the future,” he continued. “Much will depend on his personal situation, whether or not he is working for a club. But it is clear that the relationship between him and the national team is very good.”
