After Roberto Martínez’s disappointing spell with Belgium’s golden generation, many were sceptical when Portugal appointed him as replacement manager after the departure of their Euro-winning manager, Fernando Santos. However, after just 9 months in charge, Roberto Martínez is now sitting firmly at the top of Group J, with his team recording their biggest-ever win after demolishing Luxembourg 9-0, while Poland has just sacked Fernando Santos after 3 losses in 5 Euro qualifying games. Thus, is the managerial appointment of Roberto Martinez the correct decision? Find out more below.
NINE FOR PORTUGAL 😱🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/NlkJ1waBal
— 433 (@433) September 11, 2023
Roberto Martínez Silences the Critics for Now
Roberto Martínez is a manager not associated with trophies, but the only one he won is widely considered his best-ever achievement. Cast your minds back to 2013, when Roberto Martínez led his relegated Wigan side to an FA Cup final match against the runners-up of the Premier League, Manchester City. With all the odds stacked against them, Roberto Martínez’s team prevailed victorious and earned him the recognition he now deserves.
However, Roberto Martínez failed to replicate his success, as he only brought the golden generation of Belgium to a third-place finish in the 2018 World Cup. 4 years later, his team failed to get on any podium in international competitions and eventually crashed out in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup.
After his dismissal, Portugal immediately hired Roberto Martínez as their manager, and he began putting in work by having a private conversation with the squad’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo. Since then, Portugal has gone under a 6 games win streak under Roberto Martínez, with the latest being a 9-0 destruction of Luxembourg. Furthermore, the team has not conceded even a single goal under him as he strives to bring Portugal back to the top. While he is on the right track now, it only takes one loss for the doubters and haters to creep in.
Portugal under Roberto Martinez 🇵🇹
• 6 GAMES
• 6 WINS
• 24 GOALS SCORED
• ZERO (0!) GOALS CONCEDED𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠! 👏 pic.twitter.com/BIltI3TbSG
— TCR. (@TeamCRonaldo) September 11, 2023
Bruno Fernandes Ran the Show as He Provided a Goal and a Hat Trick of Assist
Bruno Fernandes is an intriguing footballer to fans. Some may consider him overrated as he often goes missing in big games, while others may rate him underrated after getting snubbed of a spot in this year’s Ballon d’Or list. However, it is undeniable that he is a genius playmaker every team would like to have. Take this game for example.
In this match against Luxembourg, Bruno provided a goal and a hat trick of assists en route to their 9-0 trashing. For his first contribution, he produced a brilliant trivela assist to Gonçalo Inácio to head home. In added time of the first half, the combo worked again as Bruno delivered a pinpoint cross for Inácio to nod in his second.
The second half was Bruno’s playground as he sought his teammates with defence-splitting balls over the top. Jota eventually capitalised on one of those as he easily slotted past the keeper 1v1. However, there was still time for Bruno to grab his own goal as he slotted away a mistake through the keeper’s legs. While Bruno will gain all the plaudits for his awe-inspiring performance, let’s not give the entire Portugal squad any less credit for their team performance.
Related: 2024 UEFA Euro Qualifiers: France Beat Ireland 2-0 to Maintain Their Perfect Record
🇵🇹 Bruno Fernandes vs Luxembourg: ⚽🅰️🅰️🅰️
What a performance 🥶#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/ppF5w8WHHv
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) September 11, 2023
Roberto Martínez Has A Decision to Make Once Cristiano Ronaldo Returns
Cristiano Ronaldo is synonymous with history. Throwback to his interview when he got his 200 caps for Portugal, the skipper mentioned: “I say it sincerely, I don’t follow the records; they follow me. I’m happy, and it’s also my motivation to continue playing at the highest level in the national team. It was something I never thought I would achieve. And I’m continuing to set records.”
However, his position in the national team has gone under scrutiny after being left out of the starting squad for the 2022 World Cup stage. Fortunately for him, Roberto Martínez immediately addressed any rumours of leaving out the captain by including him in every Euro qualifying squad. “Cristiano’s commitment is complete. He is an example for the locker room, an example for Portuguese and world football. He is an example of Portuguese football, and we need him to pass all the experience and wisdom to the youngest players.”
Despite his inclusion and scoring 5 goals in 5 matches for his national team, many still questioned whether the reliance on the 38-year-old would hamper the growth of their talented superstars. With the squad recording their biggest-ever win in his absence, the questions arise again, and Roberto Martínez will have a decision to make after his skipper returns from suspension. What are your thoughts about the matter? Let us know on our site here.
Cristiano Ronaldo on Roberto Martinez:
“Give time to our coach, who has been doing an excellent job, to put his idea of the game in place, the players are fine and excited and now it’s time for things to improve.” pic.twitter.com/3dxNdUZGm4
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) June 20, 2023
