Roberto Martinez has stated that it’s a ‘good sign’ for him that he was seemingly linked with the Aston Villa job before Steven Gerrard’s arrival, as he told Sky Sports News.
The Belgium coach stated that ‘you never know’ in regards to him returning to the Premier League after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
This isn’t the first time Martinez has been linked with the Villa job and there were even suggestions in the Belgian press that he turned down the role before Gerrard came through.
Either way, the vast majority of the Villa faithful would have probably picked Gerrard over Martinez if they had a choice.
Mainly because of his struggles at Everton and then how he hasn’t been able to win anything with Belgium.
Nonetheless, after Gerrard’s arrival, Martinez was asked about those Villa rumours and he issued this response.
“I think that’s a good sign,” said Martinez. “As a coach, you know that if you lose three games, then maybe the rumours are that you are going to lose your job.
“Or if you do a good job and the team is doing well. You can win some games and that’s what we have been doing for the last few years, then the rumours are going to be there, so it’s the life of the coach.
On Premier League return after Qatar: “You never know. I am still a young coach. Day-to-day is different to international football.
“But it’s five years since I have been with the national team and then the next 12 months are going to be really exciting preparing for a World Cup is something I don’t take too lightly. And, in football, you have to concentrate on what you have on your plate”
It does seem as though Martinez is reaching the end of the road with Belgium and it would be considered as a failure if they aren’t, at least, in the final at Qatar.
Even if they win, it does seem as though Martinez will leave, and if he does, then it will be interesting to see what type of job he can land.
It would be a surprise if a Premier League club in Europe were to knock for his talents because there are better coaches out there.
Both Manchester clubs wouldn’t take him on, nor Chelsea or Liverpool.
Then there’s Leicester and West Ham thriving with their managers, and once again, Martinez isn’t better than either David Moyes or Brendan Rodgers.
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