Roberto Martinez has refused to confirm he will stay as Portugal coach after the World Cup, potentially opening the door for Jose Mourinho.
Martinez joined Portugal in January 2023, signing a contract that takes him through to the end of the tournament in the Americas.
Portugal enter the competition as one of the favourites thanks to the emergence of megastars like Vitinha, Nuno Mendes and Joao Neves, and an early exit could spell trouble for Martinez.
The Spaniard has already won the Nations League with his neighbouring country, but has admitted an extension isn’t currently a topic.
“The coach’s future isn’t important. What’s important is the World Cup,” he said in a joint press conference.
“The World Cup can’t wait. The coach’s future can wait, and we can talk about that after the World Cup.
“I think what’s important is that the Federation, the president, and I are aligned. The focus is the World Cup.”
Martinez then appeared to put some pressure on his seniors, admitting he’s been approached by other countries.
He added: “When there are good results, which is our case, because fortunately the Portuguese national team wins a lot, then it’s normal that I’ve had some.”
Asked if there were any issues with himself and his seniors, Martinez again dodged the subject.
“It’s not a taboo subject, but now we are aligned to try to do everything we can to prepare our national team for the World Cup. That’s the focus,” he responded.
“We are all together in the federation for the same objective, which is to fight in the same way for the World Cup.”
His comments come amid an interesting backdrop, with Jose Mourinho back in Portugal with Benfica.
Things haven’t gone brilliantly back in Lisbon with a trophyless season beckoning.
On top of that, Mourinho had made it clear his contract has a get-out clause, and Benfica aren’t in any rush to protect his services.
What has Mourinho said about his contract?
Speaking before facing Real Madrid, Mourinho said: “I don’t want to fuel stories that don’t exist.
“I have one more year on my contract with Benfica; it’s special because it’s an election period and we wanted to protect a new president. It has an easy-to-break clause.
“I have nothing against Real Madrid. I would love to eliminate Real Madrid, but I would really like Arbeloa to win La Liga and stay at Real Madrid for many years, because he has a lot of talent. He’s a true Madridista and has a lot of personality.”
Asked when he last spoke to Florentino Perez, he added: “The last time was when I signed with Benfica.
“He told me he was very happy because I had signed for a great club.
“He didn’t come to the previous match; I hope he’ll be here tomorrow and I can talk to him. We’re great friends.”
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