Portugal announce Roberto Martínez as new manager

Roberto Martínez has been named the new Portugal manager with the Spaniard succeeding Fernando Santos.

The former Swansea City, Wigan Athletic, and Everton manager signs with Portugal until 2026.

Under Fernando Santos, Portugal enjoyed success winning the 2016 European Championship and the first Nations League in 2019. The veteran manager was then dismissed following the 2022 World Cup.

Reports had linked José Mourinho with the Portugal job but FPF President Fernando Gomes confirmed that Martínez was the only person who had been offered the job.

“I am very happy to be here, I am delighted to be able to represent one of the most talented teams in the World,” Martínez said at his unveiling. 

“From the first time I met the board and the president, I knew that this was the project I wanted. I understand that there are great expectations and goals, but I also understand that there is a great set of people working to fulfil our goals. Thank you.”

Martínez becomes just the third foreign coach of the Portuguese national team following on from Brazilians Otto Glória and Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Um novo 𝗟𝗶́𝗱𝗲𝗿 ao serviço de Portugal 🇵🇹: bem-vindo, Mister Roberto Martínez! 🤝 #VesteABandeira

A new 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 at 🇵🇹 service: welcome, Coach Roberto Martínez! 🤝 #WearTheFlag pic.twitter.com/TCDe3yzJr9

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) January 9, 2023