Roberto Martínez – Official Statement
“After careful reflection, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Portuguese national team.
I know that many people, especially those who don’t follow football closely, will point fingers and say I ruined Portugal’s chances of winning the World Cup. To those people, I say this: I gave everything I had to this job. I selected the best players available, prepared the team thoroughly, and made my instructions clear. The result was not what we hoped for, but it was not due to a lack of effort on my part.
What hurts me most is that players who shine so brightly at club level Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, for example were unable to deliver the decisive, incisive passes our strikers needed. That was the saddest part for me. Before the match against Spain, I told the players very clearly: press high, attack them, don’t give them time to breathe. Instead, they dropped deep and circulated the ball among themselves without any real penetration or purpose. That wasn’t what we planned, and it wasn’t what the country deserved.
I want to be very clear: I did not fail Cristiano Ronaldo. His teammates did. Ronaldo has given absolutely everything for Portugal over many years, and he deserved better support on the pitch.
I take full responsibility for the decision to include certain players, but after this tournament I have concluded that some of them no longer deserve to be called up for the national team.
To the Portuguese fans, the Portuguese Football Federation, Cristiano, and everyone who supported us: I am truly sorry. You deserved more. I leave with a heavy heart, but with the belief that I gave my all.”
