Dutch FA in talks with Roberto Martinez to replace Koeman as national coach
The Dutch Football Association is considering Spanish coach Roberto Martinez after the team's 2026 World Cup exit and Koeman's departure.
The Dutch Football Association is discussing the possibility of appointing Spanish coach Roberto Martinez to replace Ronald Koeman as the national team's manager. This potential change comes after the Netherlands' early exit from the 2026 World Cup, where they lost to Morocco on penalties following a 1-1 draw. Koeman's departure further fuels the urgency for a new coach, as there have been no Dutch candidates to step into the role, with Arne Slot notably declining the position.
Martinez, currently steering Portugal, has a storied coaching career that includes leading Belgium from 2016 to 2022 and Portugal from 2023 to 2026. The Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf suggests that talks with the 53-year-old Martinez are focused on securing his services for the Euro 2028 tournament and the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco.
If a deal is reached, Martinez would be the first foreign coach to lead the Dutch national team since Austrian Ernst Happel in 1978.
Written by urgent.news from Ajel English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
