Belgium have work to do, says Roberto Martinez
Friday 2 September 2016 12:00, UK
Roberto Martinez says Belgium have a lot of work to do after his first game in charge ended in a 2-0 friendly defeat to Spain.
David Silva scored twice as new Spain coach Julen Lopetegui made a winning start, while the hosts were booed on numerous occasions by the frustrated Brussels crowd.
And Martinez admitted it was a painful result for his side. "This game shows that we have a lot of work," said the former Everton boss.
"We knew we would be tested. Sometimes you play friendly games in which you have little information, but it's different now."
Belgium get their World Cup qualifying campaign under way in Cyprus on Tuesday and Martinez thinks defeat to Spain can be a starting point for better things for his new team.
"The result is painful, but this is the reality. Against Cyprus becomes a different game, but every game is difficult.
"As a team we need to find the right balance and we have to work hard. We played against a good opponent. That's the level we want to achieve. We now know our weaknesses.
"Obviously it was not a fine spectacle for the fans. No one wants such a defeat, but it can also be a starting point.
"The talent is there, everybody knows that. We especially need to improve a lot mentally and work hard every day."
