Roberto Martínez has admitted to resigning as Portugal’s coach, saying, “It is mindless to proceed” following the group’s World Cup defeat in opposition to Spain.
Martínez introduced his resolution after Portugal misplaced 1-0 to Spain at Dallas Stadium, with Spain substitute Mikel Merino scoring the profitable objective within the 91st minute.
Portugal have been annoyed all through the match in opposition to the European champions, with Nuno Mendes’ deflected shot hitting the crossbar as they approached objective.
This was Cristiano Ronaldo’s final look within the World Cup, because the Portugal captain introduced earlier than kick-off that he wouldn’t be taking part in within the subsequent World Cup.
Martínez was appointed to exchange Fernando Santos in January 2023 and has managed 45 matches in all competitions, profitable 32 of them (D6 L7).
Martínez, 52, led Portugal to Nations League glory within the 2024-25 season by defeating Spain on penalties within the closing, however has confirmed he’ll step down from his function with speedy impact, acknowledging the necessity for a “new voice” within the dressing room.
“The cycle is over. It is necessary to have a brand new voice, a brand new chief,” Martinez instructed reporters.
“I take the recollections as my very own and I hope that Portugal can have good recollections of the three and a half years I used to be the top coach of the group. It was the expertise of my life.”
“(It was not determined upfront that I would depart the group after the match).
“We got here right here with the objective of profitable the World Cup, but when we did not win there was no level in persevering with.”
90+6′ Sport over for Dallas. #PORESP | 0-1 | #FIFA World Cup pic.twitter.com/ASH5Q73q9F
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) July 6, 2026
Martínez was requested whether or not his tenure shall be remembered fondly by Portuguese followers or as a failure, and Martínez was livid.
“To start with, we didn’t make a mistake. We misplaced to one of many favorites. We performed evenly, have been ourselves and confirmed unbelievable particular person expertise,” Martinez added.
“Win or lose… We received the Nations League, however penalties are small issues. I have a look at the extent of consistency, the variety of targets and factors.
“That is very tough on the nationwide group stage. The tactical idea, the variety of gamers who’ve represented the nationwide group. Are we not attempting to win by failing?”
“We labored till the final second and gave every thing. The gamers have been exemplary and unbelievable. And that is what makes you a winner in soccer and in life.”
“I convey again an unbelievable legacy and I hope the Portuguese followers do not forget that the teaching employees and I gave every thing over time.”
Jorge Jesus, who led Ronaldo to his first Saudi Professional League title with Al Nasr final season, is reported to be the frontrunner to exchange Martinez.
