Barcelona is eyeing Roberto Martinez, the current manager of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal team, as the potential successor to their departing manager, Xavi. Xavi recently announced his departure after a series of disappointing performances, culminating in a 5-3 home loss to Villarreal in January.
Cristiano Ronaldo Coach
According to reports, Barcelona is keen on Martinez, who assumed the role of Portugal’s coach after their quarterfinal loss in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Camp Nou club is considering him among the candidates to take charge in the upcoming summer.
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Martinez could juggle both roles, as sources suggest that the defending La Liga champions have offered him an initial one-year contract and are interested in retaining him with the Portugal team. The Spanish manager has achieved success with Ronaldo’s team, winning all 10 games during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. In his coaching career, Martinez has overseen clubs like Swansea, Wigan Athletic, and Everton.
Despite the offer from Barcelona, Martinez has not yet responded, and a decision is expected only after Portugal’s summer European Championship campaign in Germany.
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1. Who is Roberto Martinez, and why is Barcelona interested in him?
Roberto Martinez is the current manager of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal team. Barcelona is eyeing him as a potential successor to their departing manager, Xavi, due to his successful coaching career and notable achievements with the Portugal national team.
2. Why is Xavi leaving Barcelona, and what led to his departure?
Xavi announced his departure at the end of the season after a series of unimpressive performances by Barcelona, including a significant 5-3 home loss to Villarreal in January. The team’s struggles in the La Liga, Supercopa Espana, and Copa del Rey contributed to Xavi’s decision to step down as the manager.
3. What has Roberto Martinez achieved with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal team?
Martinez has enjoyed success with Ronaldo’s team, particularly during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Under his guidance, Portugal won all 10 of their qualifying games. His coaching experience also includes overseeing clubs like Swansea, Wigan Athletic, and Everton.
4. When can we expect a decision from Roberto Martinez regarding Barcelona’s offer?
As of now, Roberto Martinez has not yet responded to Barcelona’s offer. The decision is anticipated to come after Portugal’s summer European Championship campaign in Germany. Until then, the football community awaits news on whether Martinez will take on the dual role of managing both Barcelona and the Portugal national team.
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