Roberto Martinez is very much a man of the moment. The Spaniard has done a good job with the Belgium national team, and he’s done it by being more than simply a nice guy.
Martinez worked out a system which suits Belgium and allowed their best players to shine. It’s telling that the reaction to the country’s exit has been almost entirely positive, because if it had been thought Martinez was at fault then the knives would have quickly been out.
Catalan newspaper Sport have used the opportunity to claim Martinez almost became manager of Barcelona, but ended up at Everton instead.
It’s reported that when Tito Villanova became ill and was set to leave his role as the club’s manager, Martinez was an option.
Andoni Zubizarreta met with the manager on the Costa Brava and after an initial positive exchange, talks were supposed to continue.
But Sandro Rosell, who was Barcelona president at the time, opted for Tata Martino instead, and then Martinez went to Everton.
Sport speculate that the opportunity may come around again for the manager.
