Roberto Martinez Replacing Fernando Santos as Portugal Boss Made Things Easier for Cristiano Ronaldo & Others, Asserts Otavio

Coach Fernando Santos had seen remarkable success during his eight-year stint with Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Portugal. His tactics were paramount in Portugal’s success at the UEFA Euro 2016, and the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League. Santos, however, failed to mirror this success in FIFA World Cups. After a shocking World Cup exit in 2022 and a fallout with CR7, Portugal sacked Santos. Roberto Martinez soon replaced him. There is no looking back for the team and the boss ever since. Star midfielder Otavio just stated that the team is benefitting after ‘accepting‘ the new head coach and his style of play.

Months into his managerial stint with Portugal, Roberto Martinez has seen phenomenal success in the UEFA Euro qualifiers. Otavio, like his teammates, is a fan of the new boss’ aura and tactics.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. enjoy a smooth ride under the new Martinez era

During a press conference, Otavio was asked if anything had changed after replacing Santos with Martinez. “I don’t see things like that. What made us achieve everything was everyone’s work. The way Martinez presented himself and made the team play, which we all accepted, made things easier,” said Otavio. The Al Nassr star resorted to diplomacy in his reply at first. Soon, he asserted that Roberto Martinez’s managing style, which went hand in hand with his chemistry with players, is indeed a boon for Portugal.

Unlike Fernando Santos’ defensive style of soccer, his replacement has been employing a possession-based style in the Portuguese camp. Santos faced flak for not making the best use of Cristiano Ronaldo and other attackers. Martinez’s possession style, on the other hand, provides ample opportunity for the veteran striker and his attacking partners to have more shots. The team is thriving on the defensive end as well. Portugal’s outing at this year’s UEFA Euro Qualifiers is proof that Martinez has ‘made things easier’.

Roberto Martinez’s dream run with Portugal

In his first match as Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez saw his team demolish Liechtenstein 4-0 in the UEFA Euro Qualifiers. Soon, on the same stage, Portugal registered the biggest win in the team’s history. They plundered Luxembourg 9-0 at home, albeit in Ronaldo’s absence. After a few more thumping wins, Portugal achieved the fastest ticket for the UEFA Euro 2024.

READ MORE: Bernardo Silva Regrets Absence From Cristiano Ronaldo’s European Championship-Winning Portugal Side

Then, Portugal set a national record for scoring the most goals and conceding the least in a qualification campaign. The side scored a staggering 36 goals and conceded a mere two goals. Overall, Portugal wiped the qualifiers clean by winning all 10 matches they played. Hence, Portugal under Roberto Martinez’s management and CR7’s captaincy is a fitting candidate to win the UEFA Euro 2024. Let us know your predictions in the comments below.

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