Martinez issues his ruling on the “new” Red Devils.

The Red Devils took a new path last year. After a disappointing group stage elimination at the World Cup in Qatar, Roberto Martinez resigned as coach of the national team and Domenico Tedesco took over. He immediately undertook a major renovation.

After the World Cup, Eden Hazard, Simon Mignolet and Toby Alderweireld had already announced their retirement as international players, and Tedesco immediately left Axel Witsel and Dries Mertens aside. The national coach also made several young players participate for the first time last year, so the team now looks completely different than it did a year ago.

Martinez talks about the Red Devils

After the World Cup, Martinez immediately began working in Portugal as coach of the national team. He was also present in the draw for the European Championship, because the Portuguese qualified for the final tournament with their fingers in the nose. They were even able to provide an error-free report in qualifications.

However, in Hamburg, the Spaniard also had something to say about the Red Devils. Martinez has been our country’s national team coach for more than six years, so he still follows the team closely.

Innovation doesn’t surprise Martinez

“The new team is not a surprise to me,” he said. Sporza. “The new national coach has put his own focus, and there are also several young international players who are performing very well abroad. Players who we already know have great potential are now making great progress.”

As technical director, Martinez was closely following the national youth teams and therefore had a lot of young talent on his radar. However, as coach of the national team, he gave them few opportunities. Martinez has often been criticized for clinging too much to the old guard.