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Roberto Martinez: Belgium appoint ex-Everton manager as head coach

Last updated on .From the section European Footballcomments90

Roberto Martinez
Martinez led Wigan to their first FA Cup trophy win, beating Manchester City in 2013

Former Everton, Wigan and Swansea manager Roberto Martinez has been appointed as the new head coach of Belgium.

Spaniard Martinez, 43, was sacked by the Toffees in May after three years in charge at Goodison Park.

He succeeds Marc Wilmots, who left his post last month, two weeks after the Euro 2016 quarter-final defeat by Wales.

The vacancy was advertised online by the Belgian Football Association.

It wanted a "strong and open communicator" who has a "proven track record in transmitting tactical and strategic knowledge" to top players.

Gary Lineker on Twitter
BBC presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker gives his reaction on Twitter

In a statement, the Belgian FA said it was "delighted and proud to have found a coach at this level so quickly".

Martinez will hold a news conference at 11:30 BST on Thursday and his first match is against Spain on 1 September.

At Everton, Martinez managed Belgium internationals Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas.

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90 comments

  • Comment posted by kenny_burns_kneecap, at 10:38 4 Aug 2016

    98.6% possession then concedes 2 goals from corners

  • Comment posted by U15375293, at 09:59 4 Aug 2016

    Wonder how long into his first interview it will be until he uses the word 'phenomenal' to describe his teams play.

  • Comment posted by kenny_burns_kneecap, at 11:33 4 Aug 2016

    i've checked, there's loads of lingos used in belgium

    phänomenal
    phénoménal
    fenomenaal

  • Comment posted by bluerunner, at 10:43 4 Aug 2016

    The Belgians will soon learn to hate waffle when Martinez gets going.
    I was glad to see the back of him at EFC. His dismissal was a year overdue.
    It doesn't matter if he was a 'nice bloke' - he was a lousy manager.
    Poor signings, inept game management, low fitness levels ... and a £13m striker in Niasse who won't even have a squad number this season. Phenomenal.

  • Comment posted by martan, at 10:12 4 Aug 2016

    I think this might be a good appointment depending on who his assistant if he brings in a proper defensive coach it could work for me their problem at the Euros was their attacking they never had a clue what to do when going forward the one thing you can say about Martinez is that his teams play fast fluid attacking football with purpose IF they are able to defend they will be dangerous!!

  • Comment posted by Tom, at 12:04 4 Aug 2016

    At least England won't be the most underachieving team anymore!

  • Comment posted by RedEnvoy, at 10:11 4 Aug 2016

    Having watched Belgium play with fear & to formation RM will let them express themselves, play without burden & attack. I think he could be an inspired appointment.

    Football by the manual & coaches with badges but little real experience, RM continues to strive to play the game his way & without fear. Belgium have a talented squad that he can let run free.

    Best of luck Belgium & Roberto.

  • Comment posted by BaggiosPonytail, at 09:59 4 Aug 2016

    This is a bizarre appointment. A manager who can't get his teams to defend and a group of talented individuals who don't play as a team. What could go wrong?

  • Comment posted by U15510102, at 13:01 4 Aug 2016

    Lets not forget he won the FA cup with Wigan. Belgium have talent in youth academies. Everton didn't exactly nose dive just didn't get the results the team deserved. Lukaku was his idea and he could net them a serious profit. He kept costs down and tried to do what Leicester do but his signings flopped. Other clubs buy flops too. If he can get them playing like Swansea then Belgium will do well.

  • Comment posted by kenny_burns_kneecap, at 11:49 4 Aug 2016

    PGB

    "Technically, he is as good as you get. The way he executes, how he reads the game, for me he is one of the most sensational you are going to see in Premier League history"

    RM on T Cleverley

  • Comment posted by Lloydimus, at 11:22 4 Aug 2016

    "12. Posted by blues legend

    its ok belgium fans at least you cant get relegated."

    UEFA Nations League starts in 2018.

  • Comment posted by blues legend, at 10:12 4 Aug 2016

    its ok belgium fans at least you cant get relegated.

  • Comment posted by PL, at 09:53 4 Aug 2016

    Didn't see that one coming.

  • Comment posted by jardinuk, at 10:38 4 Aug 2016

    Surprised by the appointment. Totally unexpected, can't imagine it going well but stranger things have happened.

  • Comment posted by madmarvel, at 13:49 4 Aug 2016

    Every Belgium game, I'm going to bet over 4.5 goals and both teams to score, maybe chuck in a 3-3 correct scoreline, easy money

  • Comment posted by PGB Addick, at 13:45 4 Aug 2016

    @77 Barmy. Is he a nice bloke in private sessions with players? I've not heard too many bad words about him from players as a manager.

    He has many good players to work with, defenders included. England would kill for the quality of players Belgium have quite frankly

    Who knows what will happen. I'm surprised but I like him.

  • Comment posted by michael, at 13:14 4 Aug 2016

    Belgium seems a bit like our 'Engelund', both are serial flops with very expensive players that are never perform to expectations. Martinez won't change this and it should be the FA bosses who need sacking for making the wrong decisions over and over again!

  • Comment posted by U16480336, at 12:54 4 Aug 2016

    @62 ThePundit

    "Why do we always have the tweets of the detestable Gary Lineker posted on all these articles. He's not even a pundit"

    Bit rich coming from someone sad case who calls himself "ThePundit" but probably works down the local council. Think on.

  • Comment posted by timgfox, at 12:17 4 Aug 2016

    43 seems quite young to retire.....

  • Comment posted by U14620908, at 11:59 4 Aug 2016

    53. Posted by ATL11
    on 3 minutes ago

    Bitter Everton fans, be careful what you wish for.

    What like Ronald Koeman?

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