Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez has confirmed he’s stepped down after their 2022 FIFA World Cup group stage exit.
Martinez took charge of the Red Devils in 2016 after parting ways with Everton and was tasked to lead the Golden Generation to silverware.
But third place at the 2018 World Cup, and at one point ranked world number one was all she wrote for the Spaniard who ends his tenure with a 70% win record.
His 56 wins, 13 draws and 11 defeats were overshadowed by the 2-0 defeat to Morocco and the goalless draw with Croatia on Thursday which ended their Qatar 2022 tournament.
“Yes, that was my last game. It has been six years,” he said after the game. “I arrived with the clear idea of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Then we became so engaged with the project and won a bronze medal. I’m so proud of these players. It has been amazing.
“It has been six years where we’ve been able to do everything you want to do. The team has played and given people real joy. But this is the time for me to accept [it is over]. I don’t resign. It’s the end of my contract.
“Since 2018 I had many opportunities to leave and take jobs at club level, but I wanted to stay loyal.”
The Belgium FA said they were ‘extremely disappointed after the early exit’ in an official statement confirming his exit.
“An era and a cycle have come to an end. Today the ways of our coach Roberto Martinez and the Royal Belgian FA will part.
“We are very grateful and proud that we have worked with Roberto Martinez for more than six years.”
