The Football Interview Series
The Football Interview is a new series featuring prominent figures from sport and entertainment joining host Kelly Somers for insightful conversations about football. The series delves into mindset, motivation, career milestones, and personal reflections, revealing the individual behind the player.
Episodes are released on weekends via BBC , , and the website. This week's interview airs on BBC One at 00:15 GMT on Sunday, 15 February (following Sportscene in Scotland).
Roberto Martinez's Journey from Player to Manager
When Roberto Martinez joined Wigan Athletic in 1995, few could have predicted that nearly two decades later he would lead the club to an FA Cup victory. Martinez masterminded Wigan's 1-0 win over Manchester City in the 2013 final, a remarkable achievement given the Latics were relegated from the Premier League that same season. Shortly after the triumph, Martinez moved to Everton as manager.
After being dismissed from Everton three years later, Martinez transitioned to international management, first with Belgium and currently with Portugal. Since January 2023, he has been Portugal's head coach, guiding them to their second Nations League title by defeating Spain last year.
Tragically, less than a month after that victory, Portugal mourned the deaths of forwards Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident in northern Spain. Martinez expressed that the team aims to honour Jota's memory daily.
In an extensive interview with Kelly Somers, Martinez discussed topics ranging from his FA Cup success and managing Belgium's 'golden generation' to his personal choice to abstain from alcohol.
On Football and Early Influences
"For me, it's a way of living. I was born in a family that was breathing football. My dad was mad about football. My dad was a coach at that time - a local team. I would be the mascot and I've got pictures where probably at the age of two and three, I would be listening to the team talks, and I would be in that environment of the dressing room. So that, for me, was a safe zone. I thought that all the kids did that. I thought that was the normal thing to do. And then I realised that it was the opposite. Not many kids had the opportunity to be in a team talk of the local team!"
Martinez confirmed his first proper team was the under-nines, playing football alongside futsal at school in Spain. He recalled that by age 16, aspiring footballers had to pursue a more professional level, which led him to Zaragoza, where his parents would watch his matches regularly.
Playing Career and Move to the UK
Reflecting on his playing career, Martinez said he enjoyed all his clubs for their unique challenges. He was among the first three Spaniards to move to the UK following the Bosman ruling in 1995, earning the nickname 'The Three Amigos'.
"As a human being, we're always fearful... we don't like change. I was always the opposite. My answer would be: 'Why not?' So... 'Would you like to go to the UK without speaking a word of English and play football?' My answer was: 'Why not?'"
He recounted arriving at Wigan without speaking English and being asked by the press officer to speak to local media, which he could not do at the time. These challenges, he said, shaped him personally.
Reflecting on the 2013 FA Cup Final
Discussing the 2013 FA Cup final, Martinez expressed immense pride in the achievement.
"Dreams can really happen in the FA Cup. And I think that game... you play the champions of England - Man City - with all the stars. The odds are against the underdog. I think everybody likes it. I always found out that we had so many neutral fans that day... that's what happens in the FA Cup. But to actually perform and deserve to win was very special."
Path to Management
Martinez revealed that management was always his ambition, inspired by his father who was a manager.
"Always. Always, yeah, because my dad was managing. I thought that was the best."
He noted cultural differences in team dynamics between Spain and the UK, emphasizing the importance of addressing individual identity within a team to foster cohesion and performance.
Influences and Mentors
Martinez cited Johan Cruyff as a major influence for revolutionizing football with a technical, possession-based style. He also mentioned admiration for John Toshack, Pacho Maturana, and Arrigo Sacchi for their tactical approaches and communication with players.
While he did not have direct mentorships, Martinez studied managers by watching games and analyzing tactics, often traveling with his wife to major tournaments such as the World Cups in South Africa, Poland, Brazil, and France.
"Our holidays were following the big tournaments!"
"I still owe her. From this day, I still owe her a nice honeymoon - because the honeymoon when we got married was South Africa, and she was delighted. She didn't realise that it was the World Cup!"
Club vs International Management
Martinez contrasted club and international management, highlighting the immediacy and tactical preparation required in club football versus the challenge of uniting diverse talent and fostering pride in a national team within limited time.
"Coaching in the Premier League is about tomorrow and it was about preparing the game that is in front of you, preparing the players so they can make a difference in winning the game. International football is about trying to find out the best talent and then to make it in a structured way, to make it competitive - and you've got three days to do that. That's very different to doing it in a club."
He reflected on the emotional significance of representing one's country and the impact on families and communities.
"When you represent your national team, it affects your family... the neighbours. If you win, the whole country wins. When you lose, the whole country loses."
Martinez recalled childhood memories of World Cups in 1978 and 1982, which fueled his passion for international football and motivated his career shift.
Managing Belgium's 'Golden Generation'
Martinez described the experience of managing Belgium's celebrated 'golden generation', including players such as Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Dries Mertens, Romelu Lukaku, Axel Witsel, Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Vermaelen, Vincent Kompany, Thibaut Courtois, and Yannick Carrasco.
"First and foremost was to cope with that tag of 'golden generation'. It wasn't a pressure that the players were not used to because obviously you're talking about the players that were in the most demanding dressing rooms."
He recounted the 2018 World Cup campaign where Belgium won six out of seven games, losing narrowly in the semi-final to France before securing third place.
"That is the moment that it became the golden generation. At that moment, it was a shift into what we could do from that point on and that team stayed four years consecutively with the number one ranking."
Martinez emphasized the collective focus on making history for Belgian football and described the period as highly enjoyable.
Memorable Matches and Reflections
When asked about a game he wished to relive, Martinez identified the 2018 World Cup semi-final against France.
"I think if I could relive a game it would be the semi-final with Belgium against France because we lost 1-0. I felt we were the better team - we had almost 60% possession - and it was just decided by one action... and if it is one game that I could relive to try to change it, it would be that one."
He admitted to reflecting on the match occasionally to consider what could have been done differently, acknowledging the fine margins at the highest level.
Current Role with Portugal and Future Prospects
Martinez discussed his current role managing Portugal, a team with a rich football tradition including legends like Eusébio, Luís Figo, João Pinto, and Rui Costa. He highlighted the blend of four generations within the squad, from captain Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, to the youngest player born the year Ronaldo debuted for Portugal.
"The first step was to qualify. We did that and I always believe that there has never been a winning team that arrives to the tournament. The winning team becomes the winning team in the tournament."
Regarding Ronaldo, Martinez described managing him as straightforward due to his professionalism and commitment.
"Very easy, because of his high standards, his expectations of how the work should be done and his commitment to the game. He truly is an example of what you should do to represent Portugal and the national team."
Martinez emphasized Ronaldo's current contributions, noting his recent goal-scoring record.
"He's a goalscorer, he's an important player for us, and it's the player that he is now that is important for me. As a national team coach, a player that has scored 25 goals in the last 30 international games... it's not that he's playing because of what he's done in the past, it's what he's done now."
When asked about Ronaldo's longevity, Martinez cited physical data indicating Ronaldo could continue playing at a high level and suggested the decision to retire would be Ronaldo's own, based on his self-assessment.
Personal Life and Background
Martinez shared that he is married to a Scottish woman and they have two daughters. Their relationship began during his time managing Motherwell in Scotland.
"That was the best thing!"
He described the cultural mix at home, especially when Portugal faces Scotland in international matches, noting the lighthearted challenges with in-laws supporting different teams.
Personal Choices and Commitments
Martinez revealed a personal commitment to abstain from alcohol, made at age 16 when he moved to Zaragoza.
"I've never tasted alcohol."
"It was a promise. When I was 16 and I had the opportunity to go to Zaragoza, I went to my dad and I said: 'I really want to go.' And I said: 'What do you think?' He said: Well, it's the worst thing you could do because you're going to be very young - 16. You're going to be away from home and the first thing you're going to do is start drinking, start smoking, you're going to give up your studies.' And I said: 'Well, I promise you, I'll do my degree, I'll never drink, I'll never smoke.' And then since that day, that was my commitment, so I'm 52 now and I'm proud to say that I never touched a drop of alcohol."
Looking Ahead
When asked about the prospect of winning the World Cup next summer, Martinez indicated he would be willing to make a similar personal commitment again.
"Probably, yes, I would be quite happy to make another commitment!"
