Portugal coach Roberto Martínez steps down after defeat to Spain

Roberto Martínez will not continue as Portugal’s head coach after the World Cup. Following Portugal’s elimination, the Spanish coach confirmed he was stepping down. His departure had already been anticipated in his contract, and according to people close to him, it was a decision he had made before the tournament began, regardless of how Portugal performed.

Roberto Martínez’s comments on DAZN

His assessment of the match

“It was a very high-level game, both technically and tactically. Two teams with very similar ideas, wanting to keep the ball and use individual talent to create chances. It’s a shame. I think a draw and extra time would have been the fairest outcome. Spain’s first clear chance ended in a goal. Congratulations to Spain, and I wish them all the best. I also want to congratulate my players. The way we played is something to be very proud of.”

Did Nuno Mendes’ injury affect the game?

“Lamine didn’t create many problems for us. When Semedo came on, we dealt with him well too. It was more about Spain’s attacking patterns. Their goal came from a quickly taken free kick. These are two very demanding teams. We probably didn’t reach the final third as often as we wanted in the second half. We were unlucky not to make it to extra time, and I believe over another 30 minutes we would have been better than Spain. The game was decided by small details, but I’m proud despite the defeat.”

Is this your farewell?

“Right now, the important thing is to share this disappointment with the players and thank them for everything they gave at this World Cup. There will be time later to talk about the head coach.”

Roberto Martínez’s postgame press conference

During his full press conference, Martínez formally confirmed that he would not remain in charge of Portugal after the World Cup, something he had not explicitly stated in his DAZN interview.

On the defeat

“We’re leaving disappointed. It wasn’t the result we wanted. We were playing one of the tournament favorites, but that didn’t stop us from chasing our objective. We defended bravely and aggressively. We defended very well. But in the knockout rounds of a World Cup, the smallest details make all the difference. Whether the ball hits the crossbar and goes in or stays out, a set piece in the 90th minute... those are the moments that decide games. But I’m incredibly proud. The team was well organized, and we had some very good spells in possession. We could have created more chances in the second half. I’m extremely proud because this reflects all the work these players have put in. We were just a little unlucky. Luck wasn’t on our side.”

Do you think you could have gotten more out of this group?

“It’s true that this is my final game as Portugal head coach. But I want to say two things. First, I want to thank the Portuguese people. It’s been an incredible journey, and I feel indescribable pride. The support, the energy from the fans and the entire country... thank you for everything. I’ll keep these memories forever.

“Second, I want to thank the players. Their work has been incredible. They have tremendous talent, but above all they were committed to being a team. We’ve played 45 games together, the most by any Portugal coach in history, and that’s because of their commitment. I’ll always remember winning the Nations League and breaking records. I also want to thank the federation and my coaching staff. They worked tirelessly to help these players. I leave with incredible memories and immense gratitude toward the Portuguese people.”

Will you be remembered for winning the Nations League or for this disappointment?

“First of all, this wasn’t a failure. We lost to one of the favorites. We matched them, stayed true to ourselves and showed tremendous individual quality. Winning or losing... we won the Nations League, but penalty shootouts are decided by tiny details.

“What I’ll remember is our consistency, the number of goals we scored, the points we earned... achieving that level with a national team is very difficult. Our tactical development, the number of players who represented Portugal...

“Is it failure when you fight until the last minute trying to win? We gave everything. The players were exemplary and outstanding. That’s what makes you a winner in soccer and in life. I leave behind an incredible legacy, and I hope Portuguese fans remember that my staff and I gave everything over these years.”

Did you feel you could have continued?

“This is the end of a cycle. It’s entirely legitimate for Pedro Proença to choose his own head coach. I want to thank the president and the federation for all their support and for giving us everything we needed. This is the end of a cycle. I’m grateful for that support, and I hope the Portuguese people remember these three and a half years fondly.”

Had this decision already been made?

“No, I don’t think so. I came to Portugal to win the World Cup, and without winning it, I don’t think it makes sense to continue. The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose the next head coach. The president has always supported my work, but my contract ends today. I don’t have much more to say.”

Why hasn’t Portugal gone deeper at the World Cup?

“This isn’t just about Portugal. Very few national teams consistently reach the latter stages of the World Cup. We’re talking about the best teams and the best players in the world. That consistency is difficult, just as it’s difficult to consistently qualify for this tournament. Portugal has done that.

“The country’s style of play and player development are outstanding. Portugal’s youth development system is an example for the entire world, especially for a country of just 10 million people. But then there are the details: a shot off the crossbar, a quickly taken free kick, a substitute who comes on and scores. That’s the difference. Portugal is a top-level national team.”

How is Cristiano Ronaldo?

“He’s been an exemplary captain. I arrived in Portugal during a period of great uncertainty surrounding Cristiano, and for me he’s been an example. Not only because of his goals—his numbers speak for themselves—but also because of his assists. More importantly, it’s his daily commitment and the way he lives the game. He’s an example, and something we should celebrate. We’re talking about one of soccer’s true icons. There aren’t many Cristianos. I’ll always be grateful for everything he tried to do at this World Cup. His dream was to win it, and he gave everything. He set an incredible example, both as a player and as a person.”

How would you sum up your time in Portugal?

“I’m proud. The thing I value most is the 45 matches we’ve shared together. I felt welcomed as if I were another Portuguese citizen. It was a pleasure, an honor and a great responsibility. It’s always difficult to bring a cycle to an end, but in this context, it makes sense.”

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