Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Roberto Martinez in Talks to Manage Netherlands National Team
A soccer coach named Roberto Martinez might get a new job.
He used to coach the national teams of Belgium and Portugal.
Now he is talking to the people who run soccer in the Netherlands.
The Dutch team currently has no coach.
Their old coach, Ronald Koeman, quit after they lost to Morocco at the World Cup.
The person in charge of finding a new coach is Nigel de Jong.
He met with Martinez in a city called Malaga.
Other people who wanted the job have dropped out of the race.
If Martinez gets the job, he will lead the Dutch team in future games.
Spanish coach Roberto Martinez is in talks to take over the Dutch national team after Belgium and Portugal stints.
The Netherlands are without a manager after Ronald Koeman stepped down following their World Cup exit to Morocco.
KNVB technical director Nigel de Jong held talks with the 53-year-old Martinez in Malaga.
Candidates Arne Slot, Erik ten Hag, and Peter Bosz have dropped out of the race.
Other contenders mentioned include Michael Reiziger and three-time national coach Louis van Gaal.
- Who
- Roberto Martinez, Spanish coach, and Nigel de Jong, technical director of the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB)
- What
- Talks for Martinez to take over as manager of the Dutch national team
- When
- After the recent World Cup, following Ronald Koeman's resignation
- Where
- Malaga, Spain
- Why
- The Netherlands need a new manager after Koeman stepped down following their ouster by Morocco in the Round of 32 at the World Cup
- Coach in talks
- Roberto Martinez (53 years old, Spanish)
- Previous roles
- Belgium and Portugal national teams, including FIFA World Cups
- Vacant role
- Netherlands national team manager
- Reason for vacancy
- Ronald Koeman stepped down after Round of 32 loss to Morocco
- Negotiator
- Nigel de Jong, KNVB technical director
- Meeting location
- Malaga
- Withdrawn candidates
- Arne Slot, Erik ten Hag, Peter Bosz
- Other contenders
- Michael Reiziger, Louis van Gaal