Belgium coach Roberto Martinez leaving team after World Cup exit
AL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Roberto Martinez is leaving as coach of Belgium’s nationwide workforce following Thursday’s World Cup exit.
“That was my last game for the national team,” the Spaniard mentioned after a 0-0 draw with Croatia led to the workforce’s elimination from the match in Qatar.
Martinez coached Belgium to a third-place end on the 2018 World Cup. He was in control of the workforce for six years.
Martinez mentioned he made the choice to go away “before the World Cup.”
“I always work in the long term. I believe in the long term,” he mentioned, combating off tears. “Since 2018, I had many alternatives to go away and take jobs on the membership degree. But I wished to remain loyal.
“I am not resigning,” Martinez added. “I’ve reached the end of my contract.”
Martinez’s exit coincides with the probably breakup of Belgium’s “Golden Generation,” an period that includes standout attacking gamers like Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens.
The workforce was ranked No. 1 by FIFA for 4 years throughout Martinez’s tenure however by no means received a serious match.
“I’m a person who likes to build things,” he mentioned. “I arrived with the clear job of qualifying for the World Cup and taking part within the World Cup. … Then we end with the bronze medal and I felt I wished to present it one other go.
“It’s been a real joy being able to build an incredible legacy. I know some people only see a legacy by winning a major tournament. I see it in a different way.”
Martinez performed and coached in England earlier than he was employed by Belgium in 2016, and he nonetheless lives in England.
In addition to his teaching duties, Martinez was additionally appointed technical director by the Belgian soccer federation in 2020, giving him extra managerial duty for the nation’s nationwide groups.
“We thank Roberto Martínez for everything he achieved with this Golden Generation, as a coach as well as a technical director,” Belgian soccer federation CEO Peter Bossaert mentioned. “Roberto left an immense legacy for the next Belgian football generations.”
