Roberto Martínez Montoliu’s long association with Wigan Athletic began in 1995 when the Spaniard joined the club as a player, a move that would eventually lead to one of the most iconic moments in the club’s history and a transformative coaching career that spanned domestic and international football.
From Three Amigos to a First FA Cup Triumph
When Roberto Martinez first joined Wigan in 1995, he probably did not even dream that nearly 20 years later he would manage them to FA Cup victory. The Fat Lady hadn’t sung yet, but the seed of an extraordinary journey had been planted.
Martinez, 52, has been in his current role since January 2023, guiding Portugal to their second Nations League title when they beat Spain last year. Less than a month after that match, Portugal mourned the death of forward Diogo Jota, who died along with his brother Andre Silva in a car crash in northern Spain.
But this thread of triumphs began with the FA Cup win in 2013’s final, a 1-0 victory over Manchester City that remains a watershed for the club and Martínez’s managerial legend. The Latics were relegated from the Premier League that season.
Martinez’s tenure at Wigan culminated in a move to Everton in 2013 after lifting their first-ever FA Cup, a milestone that would set him on a path toward international management and a reputation for turning potential into results on big stages. Everton later dismissed him in 2016, paving the way for his subsequent roles with Belgium and Portugal.
Wigan’s FA Cup Miracle and the Road to Everton
Kelly Somers’ extended interview explores Martinez’s reflections on the FA Cup triumph, the so-called “Three Amigos” era with Zaragoza-era compatriots, and the decision to cross the English Channel in pursuit of Premier League football. The interview also delves into the personal mindset and the untold stories that shaped his approach to management.
Reflecting on the FA Cup final, Martinez describes the achievement as “a dream can really happen in the FA Cup” and emphasizes the appeal of the competition to neutral fans and underdogs alike. The victory showcased how a club like Wigan, with a relatively modest resources, could plan and execute a tactic-driven upset against a Manchester City side stocked with stars.
His move to Everton in 2013 marked the start of a different challenge: translating club-level success into sustained Premier League competition. He eventually led Belgium to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup and later took charge of Portugal, achieving Nations League glory in 2019 and again in 2023.
From Wigan to the World: Coaching Philosophy and Influences
Martinez discusses the shift from club management to international management, emphasizing the differences between the two environments. Club football is about tomorrow’s game and daily preparation, while international football requires longer-term talent identification and a broader sense of national pride.
He cites Johan Cruyff as a major influence, noting how Cruyff’s technical and possession-based philosophy reshaped the game in Barcelona and beyond. He also mentions Arrigo Sacchi, Pacho Maturana, and John Toshack as mentors who shaped his understanding of how to communicate ideas to players and build cohesion across squads.
Martinez highlights the unique pressures and responsibilities of managing a national team where “the whole country wins or loses” with each result. The psychological and cultural dimensions of international football are crucial to building high-performance teams that stay motivated and focused.
Belgium’s Golden Generation, World Cup Glory, and Lessons Learned
With Belgium, Martinez faced the formidable task of harnessing what was dubbed the “golden generation.” He describes the challenge as turning individually brilliant players into a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level. The team’s run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and a bronze medal was a landmark achievement, underscoring the strength of that generation and the quality of their development under his leadership.
When discussing a relivable game, Martinez points to the Belgium vs France semi-final, a 1-0 defeat that could have gone differently with one action’s swing. Such moments illustrate how margins in top-level football can define careers and legacies.
Portugal’s national team, under his guidance, continued that tradition of high expectations. He notes the tradition and history of Portuguese football, acknowledging players from Cristiano Ronaldo to younger generations and describing how the team blends generations to maintain competitiveness on the European stage. He stresses that the winning team is built during the tournament itself, not only through qualification results.
Personal Foundations and the Man Behind the Manager
Martinez reveals a personal detail that many find remarkable: he has never tasted alcohol. He attributes this to a personal promise made when he was 16, as he contemplated a move to Zaragoza and the discipline required for professional football.
His family life reflects a blend of cultures, with a Scottish wife and a life split between different footballing environments. He emphasizes that being a husband and father is among his greatest achievements, with football remaining a central but not exclusive part of his identity. These personal facets help explain his measured approach to leadership and resilience in the face of challenges.
Career Timeline Highlights
- Playing career: Real Zaragoza (debut 1993), Balaguer, Wigan Athletic (1995-2003), Motherwell, Walsall, Swansea City, Chester City.
- Managerial career: Swansea City (2007-2009), Wigan Athletic (2009-2013, FA Cup 2013), Everton (2013-2016), Belgium national team (2016-2022), Portugal national team (since 2023).
- Key achievements: FA Cup winner with Wigan (2013), promotion and cup wins with Swansea, World Cup best-ever Belgium finish (third place, 2018), Nations League title with Portugal (2019, 2023).
Материалы по теме
The following narrative draws from Martinez’s career milestones, his interviews, and publicly recorded achievements, weaving together his experiences as a player and a manager across domestic and international stages.
