Martinez breaks silence on reports linking him to Barcelona

The Belgium manager responded to reports linking him to Barcelona as doubts over Ronald Koeman’s reign at Camp Nou grow stronger by the day.

Roberto Martinez has refused to rule himself out of contention for the Barcelona manager’s job.

The Catalan native is reportedly Joan Laporta’s favored candidate to replace under-fire coach Ronald Koeman. Xavi, Andrea Pirlo, and Marcelo Gallardo are also on the Barcelona president’s shortlist.

…Ronald Koeman’s future doesn’t look good after this terrible performance. Crucial hours/days ahead. Xavi and Roberto Martinez both in Barça board list for days. #FCB pic.twitter.com/dw7y9fk448

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 29, 2021

Speaking ahead of Belgium’s Nations League semi-final clash with France next week, Martinez announced his focus still lies on the job he has held for five years but admitted things could change.

“I would love [Belgium] to be the first European country to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar. That’s the challenge after the Nations League final,” the Red Devils told HLN.

“But, in football, you never know what tomorrow will bring.

“I wake up every morning as Belgium coach until the last day of my contract, but I realize that many circumstances can arise along the way.”

Pressed on if Barcelona have approached him, Martinez added: “There is absolutely nothing. There has been no contact.”