SUMMARY
- Robert Martinez the new manager of Portugal has brought hope after a disappointing FIFA world cup final 2022.
- Martinez is surprised by Ronaldo's enthusiasm even after playing 20 years with the national team.
Roberto Martinez was appointed as the manager of the Portugal side in January 2023. The Spanish boss has helped bring new hope to the national squad after a disappointing 2022 FIFA World Cup. Martinez has helped Portugal qualify for the Euro 2024 with a perfect record of 10 wins in 10 matches.
The former Belgium manager talked about Euro 2024 and Portugal by stating the overall message for the squad. Martinez commented (via @CristianoXtra_): “Winning is the overall message. We need to know how to win. Cristiano won the European Championship and Pepe won the European Championship, and there are not many players who have won at the international level.”
Martinez emphasized that talent won’t be enough to win the upcoming European championship. The Spanish manager added: “It is important for us in the locker room to know that talent is not enough to win the championship. There are steps. We need to take responsibility to give everything, which helps us win.”
🚨Roberto Martinez: “Winning is the overall message. We need to know how to win. Cristiano won the European Championship and Pepe won the European Championship and there are not many players who have won at international level.”
“It is important for us in the locker room to know… pic.twitter.com/9Fm9dFtLrE
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) December 26, 2023
The reactions and flexibility of the squad to difficult moments are of utmost value for the Spanish manager. Martinez has previously managed a talented squad without achieving silverware. The Spanish manager was involved with Belgium as manager and technical director from 2016 to 2022 but wasn’t able to win any major trophy.
Martinez managed the Golden Generation of Belgium and came away empty-handed, therefore, his words carry weight when he emphasizes that talent is not enough to win the Euro 2024. This will be the last Euro for Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo as the veterans walk toward the twilight of their careers. Therefore, Martinez and the rest of the squad need to utilize their experience as much as they can.
Roberto Martinez talked about Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence on the national team
Martinez has been vocal about Ronaldo and his influence on the whole squad. Talking about his squad, the Spanish manager commented that while every player in the national team is unique and very special, Ronaldo is different. The Portuguese forward is a natural winner, and the mentality is contagious.
Martinez was in awe of how, even after playing 20 years with the national team, the record-breaking forward would play a new match with the same obsession to be the best. As per the former Wigan manager, Ronaldo has undergone a drastic change.
Do you see anyone in the national team following Cristiano’s path, athletically and mentally?
Roberto Martinez:
“Every player in the national team is unique and very special. Cristiano Ronaldo is influential, he is contagious, and he is a natural winner. He has been with… pic.twitter.com/RdnOyPHY24
— TCR. (@TeamCRonaldo) December 25, 2023
He is no longer an individual player (In terms of individual play) but the quality of his movement inside the penalty area is wonderful. For Martinez, it is impossible to compare Ronaldo with any other player.
Ronaldo scored 10 goals and two assists in 10 matches in the European qualifiers for Portugal. He was benched twice in the 2022 World Cup but has been back to his best for the national side under Martinez. Going into Euro 2024, Portugal can be regarded as one of the favorites of the competition, with Ronaldo leading the squad well into his 21st year with the national team.