Roberto Martinez has stepped down as Portugal head coach following their 1-0 defeat to Spain at the World Cup.
Portugal have one of the best squads in the world and were expected to reach the latter stages of the tournament.
However, Martinez’s side finished second in Group K to Colombia and only just beat Croatia in the Round of 32.
They came unstuck against Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday, as Mikel Merino’s late winner knocked them out.
Having failed to meet expectations, Martinez announced in his post-match press conference that he would quit his job.
Roberto Martinez steps down as Portugal manager after World Cup exit
Roberto Martinez’s objective was to win the World Cup with Portugal, and the Spaniard did not even come close.
Despite having the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves and Vitinha in his team, they never looked like title contenders.
Martinez has since decided to step away from the Portugal job after failing in his second stint as a national team manager.
“I came to Portugal to win the World Cup, and I think that, without winning it, there’s no point in continuing,” Martinez told reporters.
“The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose the new manager… my contract ends today. There isn’t much more to say.”
He continued: “I’m very proud… I’ve felt welcomed as just another Portuguese person in a very warm way. It’s been a pleasure, a source of pride, and a responsibility.”
Martinez also struggled to deliver with Belgium’s ‘golden generation’, headlined by Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne.
Many would argue that he has also caused Portugal’s latest downfall, with arguably their best group of players ever.
It will be intriguing to see whether Martinez lands another international coaching role or if he finally returns to club football.
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