Roberto Martínez has unexpectedly entered the circle of candidates to coach the Netherlands national team, as the local federation continues its search for a successor to Ronald Koeman following the end of his journey with the Oranje.
Dutch reports stated that the Spanish manager’s name was floated within the federation while assessing available options, a move that sparked controversy due to his last two experiences in international football.
Martínez’s agent revealed that there are no official negotiations yet, but confirmed his client’s readiness to listen to the project if sporting director Nigel de Jong contacts him. However, he noted that a financial gap could hinder an agreement.
This surprise comes after a disappointing end to Martínez’s tenure with Portugal. The team was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the Round of 16 against Spain before his departure was announced, despite his previous success in leading the squad to the UEFA Nations League title and achieving strong results in the qualifiers.
Criticism has also trailed the coach since his stint with Belgium’s “Golden Generation.” After finishing third in the 2018 World Cup, his team exited Euro 2020 in the quarter-finals and subsequently failed to advance past the group stage at the 2022 World Cup.
Martínez began his managerial career with Swansea City, then led Wigan to the FA Cup title in 2013 before their relegation. He then moved to Everton, eventually taking over the Belgian national team between 2016 and 2022, followed by managing Portugal from 2023 until the 2026 World Cup.
Michael Reiziger, Louis van Gaal, and Ruud van Nistelrooy are considered the most prominent alternative options on the table, after Arne Slot distanced himself due to his desire to remain in club football. If Martínez is chosen, he would become the first foreign coach to lead the Netherlands since Ernst Happel’s departure 48 years ago.
