Roberto Martinez front-runner to be next Netherlands head coach

Roberto Martinez during his last match in charge of Portugal, the World Cup defeat by Spain on July 6. Photo: Paul Ellis/AFP via ANP

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The Dutch football association KNVB is reportedly lining up Roberto Martinez to take over from Ronald Koeman as coach of the national men’s team,.

The 53-year-old Spaniard emerged as a surprise contender after candidates such as former Feyenoord and Liverpool manager Arne Slot, former Ajax and Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag and PSV boss Peter Bosz ruled themselves out.

The KNVB held talks at the weekend with under-21 coach Michael Reiziger, but there have been no further discussions since Sunday, the Telegraaf reported on Wednesday.

Louis van Gaal also sent an open application to Zeist last week saying he was ready to step in for a fourth spell in charge, but the KNVB has not followed up with the 75-year-old former Ajax trainer.

Martinez was in charge of Portugal during the recent World Cup in North America, resigning after the team lost 1-0 to eventual winners Spain in the round of 16.

Previously he coached Belgium for six years, reaching the World Cup semi-final in 2018. He would be the first foreign manager to coach Oranje since Ernst Happel in 1978.

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