Roberto Martinez, the former Belgium national team coach, recently reflected on his tenure with the team, often referred to as the “golden generation.” This group included stars like Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku. Under Martinez, Belgium reached great heights, including a third-place finish in the 2018 World Cup.
Highlights of the Belgium Tenure
Martinez emphasized that the label of a “golden generation” brought both excitement and pressure. He noted the focus on unity among players to achieve their goals. During his time, Belgium maintained the world’s number one ranking for four consecutive years.
World Cup 2018 Performance
In the 2018 World Cup, Belgium played exceptionally well, winning six out of seven matches. The team’s only loss was in a closely contested semi-final against France, ending 1-0. Martinez expressed a desire to relive that match, wishing he could change the outcome.
Current Endeavors with Portugal
Martinez is now managing the Portugal national team, taking charge of a squad with a rich footballing history. The team includes legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains a crucial player at 41 years old. Portugal aims to build on their recent success, having won the Nations League.
Managing Cristiano Ronaldo
Speaking about Ronaldo, Martinez described managing him as straightforward due to his high standards and commitment. Ronaldo remains a significant contributor, having scored 25 goals in his last 30 international matches. Martinez stressed that Ronaldo’s current form is what matters most, not his past achievements.
The Future of Ronaldo
As for how long Ronaldo can continue his career, Martinez shared insights backed by statistics. He indicated that Ronaldo’s physical condition suggests he could keep playing for the foreseeable future. Ultimately, the decision on his retirement will depend on Ronaldo’s self-assessment of his capability to contribute to the team.
Conclusion
- Roberto Martinez led Belgium to a World Cup bronze in 2018.
- Belgium maintained the number one FIFA ranking for four years.
- Martinez is now coaching Portugal, with a squad featuring Ronaldo.
- Ronaldo’s fitness remains excellent, suggesting a potential long-term career.
With high expectations, both Martinez and his teams strive for excellence in international football.
