Martinez takes over in Portugal and dreams big… one step at a time

January 10 - It didn't take long for Roberto Martinez to find a new role. The Spaniard has become the third foreign coach to lead Portugal, succeeding Fernando Santos.

On Thursday, the 49-year-old was unveiled as the new Seleção head coach. Portuguese FA president Fernando Gomes has praised Martinez as a competent international manager, stressing that the semi-finals of major finals are a must.

“From the first time we spoke to Roberto Martínez, it was clear that he matched the profile we were looking for,” said Gomes. "Obviously we spoke to a lot of people, but the only coach we made a concrete offer to was Roberto Martínez. We believe that Portugal should always be at the decisive moments of tournaments, at least reach the semi-finals. We we will do everything to make his term as Portugal coach a long and happy one."

Brazilians Otto Gloria and Luiz Felipe Scolari both led Portugal to the semi-finals of the World Cup. They were the only other foreign coaches to manage Portugal.

“I don't believe in systems. I believe in players, in human beings and in talent,” Martinez told a press conference. “You have to be tactically flexible to get the most out of each player, rather than letting players adapt to the system."

"Portugal must always aim for victory and for that they must be a modern team, with tactical flexibility. Playing with a 3 or 4 defense depends on the players available, and the job for me and my team is 'coaches will be to get the most out of each player.'

At the last World Cup, Portugal reached the last eight of the tournament when they fell to revelation Morocco 1-0, but Santos, winner of Euro 2016 and the first Nations League, lost been criticized for not maximizing the potential of the talent at his disposal. Ronaldo was dropped to the bench before returning as a second-half substitute against the Atlas Lions, but he couldn't turn the tide. The future of the Al Nassr player in the national team is uncertain.

“Football decisions should be made based on what happens on the pitch, not in an office,” Martinez said. "I will contact the 26 players who were part of the Portuguese World Cup squad as a starting point, and Ronaldo is on that list. He played for the Seleção for 19 years and deserves the respect to sit down and to speak."

Martinez and Belgium, however, endured a much worse campaign in Qatar, exiting the World Cup in the group stage. They failed to navigate a group with Canada, Croatia and Morocco, with the country's golden generation stepping out of the biggest stage through the back door. The Spaniard knows the pressure will be high to keep his promises in his new role.

"Of course it's important to think big, but we have to take it step by step," Martinez said. "To be European champion, you must first qualify. To be world champion, you must first qualify. From there, you have to dream."

Elsewhere, Brazil's Sylvinho has been appointed as Albania coach. He succeeds Edoardo Roja. The former Arsenal player was previously a member of Brazil's backroom staff and has coached at Olympique Lyonnais and Corinthians. He signed an agreement until Euro 2024 with Albania against Poland, the Czech Republic, Moldova and the Faroe Islands in qualifying. "We know it's a very balanced and complicated group and we will aim to qualify for the Euro final," said the Brazilian.

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