Former Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has labelled Roberto Martinez ‘a brilliant coach’ amid reports suggesting the Spaniard could return to Goodison Park as a replacement for Frank Lampard , speaking to Het Laaste Nieuws.
As far as pre-tournament preparations go, Belgium’s 2-1 defeat against Egypt last week was far from ideal.
This already feels like something of a ‘last chance saloon’ sort of an event for a Belgium squad with more OAP’s than a local boules tournament, and the manner in which Martinez’s ageing side were swept apart by Mo Salah and co will have done the Rote Duivels’ confidence no good ahead of Wednesday’s Group F opener with a discretely-dangerous Canada.
Concerns over Romelu Lukaku’s fitness, and the future of their coach, threatens to further undermine Belgium’s World Cup preparations.
Lukaku arrives in Qatar on the back of just four Sreie A appearances in three months at Inter Milan. Martinez, meanwhile, is set to become a free agent at the end of the year.
And, try as they might, the Belgian Football Federation have failed to agree an extension, with Everton keeping tabs as pressure rises on Frank Lampard on Merseyside.
Could Everton replace Frank Lampard with Belgium coach Roberto Martinez?
Legendary USA goalkeeper Howard worked with Martinez during his first spell with the Toffees from 2013 and 2016. And if this is to be the Spaniard’s final battle as Belgium boss, Howard is backing him to go out fighting.
“It is difficult to judge a national coach as bad just because he doesn’t win the World Cup. Martinez is a brilliant coach! He did fantastic in the Premier League and (has done) really well with Belgium,” Howard says.
“His tactics, football knowledge and IQ are second to none. I know he will do everything possible to put Belgium in the best position to be successful. But that doesn’t mean it will happen!”
According to both HBVL and Het Nieuwsblad, Everton are keeping tabs on Martinez’s situation, with less than two months remaining on his contract. There is no suggestion that Lampard’s position is under any immediate threat but that could soon change, especially if a coach as popular and talented as Martinez becomes available in the New Year.
Lampard is currently on a run of six defeats in eight games.
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