Roberto Martinez declines offer from Ferguson; insights into Spain's national team, revealed

Spain's Defeat, Roberto Martínez's Glory: Unraveling the Coach's Tale

Roberto Martínez announced his dominance in the football world as he led the Portuguese selection to triumph over his home country, Spain, in the Nations League. This victory was the third title of his career as a coach, marking his impressive trajectory in the field. While Martínez's career as a player was not a household name, his coaching career has certainly left its mark. Let's delve into the coach's remarkable journey.

Humble Beginnings

Martínez's tale on the fields emerged at Real Zaragoza in the 90s. Although it was at this club that now plies its trade in the Spanish second division that Bob played only 35 minutes in La Liga, this brief stint marked the beginning of his footballing adventure. In 1993, at the tender age of 19, Martínez stepped onto the Vicente Calderón turf to face Atlético de Madrid. At the time, Bob was a midfielder at the peak of his career, but his time at Zaragoza was limited. By 1995, he had moved to Balaguer and then England, leaving his homeland in the dust.

'The Three Friends'

Upon arriving at English football's third division, Wigan Athletic, Martínez found himself in the company of two fellow Spaniards—Isidro Díaz and Jesús Seba. Together, the trio formed a bond that extended beyond the field and came to be known as 'the three friends.' Their union was a testament to then-club owner Dave Whelan's vision to revolutionize Wigan's playing style, selecting players from various backgrounds to develop a unique identity.

A Promising Debut

Martínez's entrance into the Wigan fold couldn't have been more auspicious. In his inaugural game, he scored the first goal in a 1-1 draw against Runcorn in the FA Cup. The spirit and skill he displayed on the pitch were undeniable, and they foreshadowed the greatness that lay ahead.

Unbreakable Ties

Jordi Cruyff, the son of legendary Dutch player and coach Johan Cruyff, and Roberto Martínez developed a strong friendship during their time in England. This bond was immortalized in Cruyff's autobiography and echoed in his public statements about their friendship.

Best Player in Wigan's History

After 181 games and a six-season stint at Wigan, Martínez moved to Motherwell in Scotland in 2001. The BBC conducted a poll in 2005, where Martínez was proclaimed as the best player in the history of Wigan Athletic. To this day, Bob holds a special place in the hearts of the Wigan faithful, who respect their former Captain with reverence.

The Unyielding Passion

Having immortalized his career accomplishments in an autobiography, "Roberto: Hitting Every Ball," Martínez also showed an insatiable passion for the game by becoming a sports commentator on Sky News. This dedication to football almost jeopardized his marriage, but Martínez found a solution—two televisions in the living room, one for each of his passions.

The Offer He Couldn't Refuse...Or Could He?

When coaching Swansea in 2008, Martínez caught the eye of legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, who wished to bring the coach into his technical staff at Manchester United. However, Martínez turned down the offer, choosing to stay with Swansea and nurture his growing coaching expertise.

Pioneering a New Era

During Martínez's time in England's second division, he emerged as one of the "pioneers" of ball possession, implementing innovative strategies and adaptations that proved effective and noteworthy. Even beyond football, Martínez delved into the strategy of other sports such as rugby and basketball to refine his tactical prowess.

In his quest to shape the future of the football world, Martínez has endured numerous trials and triumphs while forging his own, distinct path. Through determination, talent, and a tireless work ethic, he has inspired generations, and his tale resonates as a testament to the power of dreams and hard work.

As he built a bond with fellow Spaniards Isidro Díaz and Jesús Seba at English football's third division club, Wigan Athletic, Roberto Martínez began to carve out his own niche. He applied innovative strategies and adaptations in the field, particularly in ball possession, contributing to Wigan's unique playing style and earning the title of 'the three friends.' In subsequent years, Martínez continued his illustrious run as a coach, leading European leagues such as LaLiga on the sidelines and achieving glory in various competitions.