Roberto Martinez is set to leave his role as Portugal national team manager after the World Cup concludes, regardless of whether he leads the country to their first-ever tournament victory. The Spaniard becomes the second World Cup manager to depart his post, following Sabri Lamouchi, who was sacked by Tunisia less than 24 hours after a 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening match. Lamouchi has since been replaced by Herve Renard.
Martinez Steps Down Voluntarily
According to reports, the decision to leave is Martinez's own, with the former Swansea, Wigan, and Everton head coach voluntarily stepping down. His contract expires after the tournament, and he has decided not to renew it. The 52-year-old is open to a return to the Premier League, but after managing Belgium and Portugal, he may also consider remaining in international management. He has not coached at club level for a decade.
Impact on Portugal's Campaign
Martinez's impending departure comes as a surprise, especially if Portugal performs well in the World Cup. The team has yet to win the tournament, and Martinez's leadership has been seen as a key factor in their progress. However, his exit will not affect the current campaign, as he will remain in charge until the end.
This development adds to the drama of the World Cup, with managerial changes already making headlines. Fans and pundits will be watching closely to see how Portugal responds to this news and who will take over the reins next.
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