By Samindra Kunti
May 18 – Roberto Martinez has extended his contract with Belgium in a two-year deal. He will remain Belgium’s coach until Euro 2020.
Martinez succeeded Marc Wilmots as head coach of the ‘Red Devils’ in 2016 after Belgium’s disappointing campaign in France that ended in an acrimonious quarter-final exit against Wales.
The former Swansea and Everton manager steered Belgium through the World Cup qualifiers, winning nine out of ten matches in a group that included Greece and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
The timing of the extension comes as a surprise, with the appraisal only expected after the World Cup and with local favourite Michel Preud’Homme rumoured to be in the running to take over.
“Since his appointment in August 2016, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has been delighted with this positive, professional and sincere collaboration with Roberto Martinez,” a statement said. “Belgium’s impeccable performance during World Cup qualification gives the RBFA plenty of confidence on a sporting level to continue the momentum with the national coach.”
“For the RBFA, the decision to continue working with a coach with international experience is a well-considered choice. Thanks to his Premier League past, Martinez is close to the world of the current generation of Red Devils, with whom he maintains close ties.”
The statement also confirmed the coach’s assistants, Graeme Jones and Richard Evans, had also signed new deals, but it didn’t mention former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, who has been a part of Martinez’s backroom staff.
Martinez and Belgium have been paired with England, Panama and Tunisia in Group G at the World Cup. They open their campaign in Sochi in Panama. On Monday, Martinez will reveal his World Cup squad.
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