Agent confirms: Ex-Portugal coach open to Oranje job
The Spaniard could become the new national coach, succeeding Ronald Koeman. He would thus become the first foreign coach of Oranje since Ernst Happel.
Following Ronald Koeman's departure, the Dutch FA is still searching for a new national coach.
Besides Louis van Gaal and Michael Reiziger, Roberto Martínez is now also being considered for the vacant position.
The Spaniard, who most recently coached Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, is reportedly open to the vacant post. His agent, Jesse De Preter, confirmed this to "Voetbal International". Previously, "De Telegraaf" had already linked Martínez with the KNVB's search for a coach.
According to De Preter, however, there have not yet been any concrete talks with the association. "If Nigel de Jong (Dutch Sporting Director, ed.) calls, we will talk," said the agent.
Would be the first foreigner since Ernst Happel
At the same time, De Preter dampened expectations for a potential deal. "Traditionally, the KNVB prefers a Dutch coach, and I suspect the financial expectations are far apart. I don't see how a deal could come of it."
Should the 52-year-old indeed become the new national coach, the Dutch national team would be managed by a foreign coach again for the first time in 48 years. Ernst Happel remains to this day the last non-Dutchman on the Oranje bench. Happel resigned after the lost 1978 World Cup final against Argentina.
