The future of the national coach, Roberto Martínez, is shrouded in mystery, with uncertainty hanging over his continuity after the 2026 World Cup. In a revealing press conference with several radio stations, including TSF, Rádio Observador, Antena 1, and Renascença, Martínez addressed his situation clearly, but cautiously, emphasizing that the total focus must be on the upcoming competition.
“The future of the coach is not important. What matters is the World Cup. The World Cup cannot wait. The future of the coach can wait and can be discussed after the World Cup,” declared the Spanish coach, making it clear that his priorities align with those of the Federation. The message is clear: preparation for the tournament is the top priority, and any discussion about his future should be postponed until after the event.
Martínez did not hesitate to acknowledge that, with the good results achieved by the national team, some tempting offers have already emerged. “When there are good results, which is our case, because fortunately the Portugal national team wins a lot, then it is normal that there have been offers,” he stated, adding that, despite having received approaches, the focus remains on preparing for the World Cup.
When questioned about a possible conversation with Pedro Proença regarding his continuation in the role, the coach preferred not to commit, but reaffirmed that it is not a taboo subject. “We are aligned to try to do everything we can to prepare our national team for the World Cup. That is the focus. We are all together in the federation for the same objective, which is to fight in the same way for the World Cup,” he emphasized.
Martínez, who made history by leading Portugal to victory in the Nations League in 2025, expressed his pride in being the national coach. “I have an incredible pride in being the coach of Portugal. For me, it is a pride, it is a very important moment, not only in my career, but in my life, because my family loves living in Portugal,” he said, reflecting on the rarity of coaches staying in the same position for so long in today’s sports landscape.
“The examples of Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger, of staying 20 years at the same club, no longer exist. The important thing is that the National Team is playing very well. We have had good moments, we have had less good moments. But I think the National Team is growing, it is reaching a great moment to face the World Cup,” concluded the coach, who, despite the uncertainty about his future, remains confident that the team is preparing to shine in style.
The National Team has a meeting scheduled for March 30, where all eyes will be on the new promises of Portuguese football, continuing the work that Martínez has been developing. With a Fan Zone being prepared in various locations across the country, expectations for the World Cup are only growing, and fans are eagerly waiting to see what the future holds not only for the team but also for its charismatic leader.
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