Tag: Roberto Martinez

Portugal Leave Out Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva for March Friendlies

Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva
March 2026

Portugal have named a 27-man squad for March friendlies against Mexico and the United States without Cristiano Ronaldo or Bernardo Silva. Roberto Martinez instead selected a group built around other senior regulars and younger attacking options. Portugal’s official squad list includes players such as Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Rafael Leao and Goncalo Ramos, but neither Ronaldo nor Bernardo Silva appears among the selections. The camp forms part of Portugal’s final preparation phase before the 2026 World Cup.

United senior players reportedly back Carrick as club also weighs Roberto Martinez

Michael Carrick
March 2026

Reports claim United’s senior players prefer Carrick to stay on permanently after a strong interim run, while the club has also discussed Roberto Martinez as a possible long-term appointment. Carrick’s tactical adjustments and man-management are cited as winning over key figures after issues under Ruben Amorim; separately, Martinez’s Premier League experience and expected Portugal exit have reportedly put him on United’s internal shortlist as the club plans for 2026-27.

Roberto Martinez says Ronaldo is less focused on 1,000-goal chase

Cristiano Ronaldo
February 2026

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez claims Ronaldo is no longer preoccupied with reaching 1,000 career goals, despite Ronaldo previously framing it as a major target. Ronaldo continues scoring for Al-Nassr and has restated motivation around trophies and longevity, while Martinez suggests his mindset has shifted as his career enters its final phase.

Mourinho Lined Up for Portugal Job After 2026 World Cup

Jose Mourinho
January 2026

Reports claim the federation expects to offer Mourinho the Portugal manager role after the World Cup. He is currently Benfica coach on a two-year deal, but the federation is said to view him as the next cycle’s headline appointment. The same report suggests Benfica would then need a successor, with Ruben Amorim floated as the obvious option due to his ties to the club and strong domestic reputation. Mourinho has publicly said international management is a goal, with Portugal his preferred first step.

Martinez calls Ireland loss a “day to forget” as Portugal’s unbeaten run ends

Portugal national team
World Cup qualifier against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium

Portugal’s long unbeaten World Cup qualifying run ended with a 2-0 loss to Ireland, leaving them needing a final-round victory to secure automatic qualification. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) received the first red card of his international career on a night when little went right.
Troy Parrott (Ireland) struck twice against a disjointed defence, punishing poor set-piece organisation and a lack of fluency in possession. Roberto Martinez (Portugal) lamented missing Pedro Neto (Portugal), Nuno Mendes (Portugal) and Bruno Fernandes (Portugal), admitted his side started badly, and said everything that could go wrong did in a performance he labelled a day to forget.

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