THE Belgium football association has called for applications from coaches in a bid to replace Roberto Martinez.
The Spaniard resigned as Belgium head coach after their disappointing Qatar 2022 World Cup campaign, where they crashed out at the group phase despite being favourites to advance ahead of Croatia, Morocco and Canada.
The Red Devils, who finished third at the Russia 2018 World Cup, beat Canada in their opening game but lost to Morocco and drew with Croatia in Qatar as the ‘golden generation’ fell short yet again at a major tournament.
“With the publication of the vacancy, we officially launched today the selection process for a new national team coach,” the FA said in an official statement today.
“Even after the early elimination at the World Cup in Qatar, the RBFA remains very ambitious for the future. All elements are in place to remain successful in the future. It is up to the new national team coach to work with what is in place and lead us to new successes.”
The body says the new head coach must be a ‘serial winner’ with vast experience and the ability to succeed with the squad Martinez left behind.
“The RBFA is looking for a full-time national team coach who knows how to win. The new national team coach is extremely ambitious and has the necessary international experience at top level, football tactical knowledge and insights as well as the right personal skills,” the statement adds.
“He is a serial winner with experience in managing top players. He knows how to focus on creating a close-knit group and how to integrate young players. The football association is looking for a tactical expert who supports his choices with data, technology and objective parameters and draws on RBFA’s sporting expertise and structure.”
The FA expects applications to be submitted before January 10, 2023 from when a task force will initiate the selection process.
The body is also seeking applications for the newly created position of Sports Director, Elite Football.
Martinez took charge of the squad in 2016 but the only major tournament in which they did not disappoint under his guidance was the Russia 2018 World Cup.
