Roberto Martinez: Belgium coach to remain in job despite disappointing Euro 2020 exit
Belgium, number one in the FIFA rankings, again failed to produce the goods at a major tournament as they fell at the Euro 2020 quarter-final stage; coach Roberto Martinez will remain in his role, however, the Belgian FA have said; Martinez has a contract until after the 2022 World Cup.
Monday 5 July 2021 10:34, UK
Roberto Martinez will remain as Belgium coach despite his side making a disappointing quarter-final exit at Euro 2020, the head of the Belgian FA said.
Peter Bossaert, chief executive officer of the Belgian Football Association, insisted that plans are already underway for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with Martinez taking the helm.
Despite being ranked number one in the FIFA World rankings, Belgium again flattered to deceive in a major tournament at Euro 2020, having been knocked out by Italy at the last-eight stage.
"Today we start preparations for the September and October games. Roberto Martinez will be there. No official communication will follow, but there is no reason to change the staff," Bossaert said.
Belgium's so-called 'Golden Generation' slipped to a 2-1 loss to Italy on Friday, which followed their semi-final defeat at the 2018 World Cup.
Their last-four elimination at the hands of Wales at Euro 2016 led to the sacking of previous head coach Marc Wilmots.
Martinez has been linked with several club jobs this summer, including Tottenham. Spurs have now appointed Nuno Espirito Santo.
Bossaert expects Martinez to be in charge for the World Cup finals late next year.
"I don't have the feeling he will step down," he said. "There is no problem with him at the moment. There will be no real evaluation because, as with any successful business, we have a culture of permanent evaluation."
