Roberto Martinez and Portugal focused on World Cup amid reports about his future
Reports suggest the 52-year-old former Everton and Wigan boss will step down at the end of the tournament.
Roberto Martinez and Portugal are “aligned” on being fully focused on the World Cup, amid reports the Spaniard will leave his post as head coach regardless of what happens at the finals.
Reports suggest the 52-year-old former Everton and Wigan boss will step down at the end of the tournament, with a return to the Premier League or another national team role possibilities.
Responding to the speculation, a spokesperson for the Portuguese federation (FPF) told the Press Association: “The FPF and Roberto Martinez are focused exclusively on the World Cup. The federation and the coach are aligned on this matter, as they have publicly stated.”
Martinez is certain to face questions over his future at a press conference in Houston later on Tuesday to preview Portugal’s opening match against DR Congo.
Martinez is out of contract at the end of the tournament, but it is understood there is agreement between him and his employers that discussions around his future must wait until after the finals.
Martinez took on the Portugal job in January 2023. He had previously been the head coach of Belgium, who were knocked out at the group stage in the last World Cup finals in Qatar in 2022.