Netherlands make shock move for ex-Premier League boss after Slot snub

Roberto Martinez is in talks to become the next manager of the Netherlands, a month after leaving his role with Portugal. Martinez left Portugal after they were knocked out of the World Cup by Spain in the last 16 - but could be set for a swift return to international management.

The Netherlands parted company with Ronald Koeman after they were knocked out of the World Cup in the last 32 by Morocco in June. The penalty shoot-out exit was a painful way to end the tournament and Koeman stepped down from his second spell in charge.

Arne Slot had appeared heavy favourite to succeed Koeman following his departure from Liverpool at the end of last season. But talks with the KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) did not lead to a contract offer.

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Slot has since explained that he withdrew from the process due to his desire to stay in club football. De Telegraaf now reports that Martinez is in the frame to take over the side.

The 53-year-old started out in club management, with stints at Swansea, Wigan and Everton, but has spent the past decade in international football. He spent six years with Belgium before joining Portugal in 2023.

Martinez led Belgium to third place at the 2018 World Cup and No.1 in the FIFA world rankings, but left after being knocked out in the group stages of the 2022 World Cup. He won the Nations League with Portugal last year before this summer's disappointment in North America.

Despite being criticised for his conservative playing style, it seems he is the KNVB's second choice for the Netherlands gig after Slot ruled himself out.

"Over the past few weeks, and particularly the past few days, various reports have appeared regarding the vacancy at the Dutch national team, suggesting that I had withdrawn from the process after lengthy negotiations, including regarding salary and contract duration," the former Liverpool boss told Voetbal International.

“That speculation is incorrect. We simply never reached that stage of the talks. At this stage of my career, I prefer to see myself on the training pitch with my players every day. Something that is simply not possible in the same way with a national team.

“And (this is) why I chose not to continue the talks and not to start negotiations on what a possible contract might look like. I have enormous respect for the national team and for the KNVB and can only be positive about the professional manner in which the talks proceeded that week.

“For now, I believe that club football still has a lot to offer me. It would be a great honour to represent my country as national coach one day. However, this was not the right moment for me.”