Roberto Martínez’s lawyer plays down reported Netherlands talks
Jesse De Preter says no agreement is currently in sight and believes financial differences would make a KNVB appointment difficult.
UnconfirmedThis report is based on Dutch media speculation and has not been confirmed by the clubs or players involved.
Roberto Martínez’s lawyer has played down speculation linking the former Portugal coach with the Netherlands vacancy, describing a possible agreement with the KNVB as highly unlikely at this stage.
Voetbalzone reports that De Telegraaf claimed KNVB director Nigel de Jong had spoken to Martínez about becoming the next Oranje coach. Voetbal International subsequently contacted the Spaniard’s lawyer, Jesse De Preter, who said there was not yet anything concrete.
De Preter indicated that Martínez would be prepared to listen if De Jong made contact, but identified two significant obstacles. He noted that the Dutch federation traditionally appoints a homegrown coach and suggested that the parties’ financial expectations would be far apart. “I don’t see how this can become a deal,” he told Voetbal International, as relayed by Voetbalzone.
Martínez most recently coached Portugal, whose World Cup campaign ended with a last-16 defeat by eventual champions Spain. He had previously spent several years in charge of Belgium. Voetbalzone also notes that Martínez has a warm relationship with Jordi Cruijff and supports the football philosophy associated with Johan Cruijff, although it remains unclear how any initial discussions have progressed.
Reported first by
- Advocaat Roberto Martínez reageert op interesse KNVB: 'Als Nigel de Jong belt, dan...' | Voetbalzone— Voetbalzone
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