Belgium post online job advert for vacant manager's job, they want a 'serial winner'

The Belgium FA have posted a job advert for the vacant head coach role following Roberto Martinez's departure at this winter's World Cup.

Martinez, who succeeded Marc Wilmots as Belgium manager after their quarter-final exit at Euro 2016, led his side to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, amongst other achievements.

But four years later, the Red Devils struggled to live up to their 'Golden Generation' tag in Qatar. In fact, they were knocked out at the group stages and as a result, former Everton boss confirmed his exit.

"That was my last game," he said. "It was emotional as you can imagine. The decision was taken just before the World Cup. I always work towards the long-term projects and they need to be set in advance.

"Since 2018 I had many opportunities to leave to take jobs at club level. I always wanted to be loyal and finish the job. I don't resign - it is the end of my contract. That was always the plan."

After finishing his tenure as national team boss with a record of 56-13-11, the Belgian FA are now looking for a "serial winner" with an experience in managing top players.

In addition, the new national team coach knows how to focus on creating a close-knit group and how to integrate young players.

"He is a tactical expert who supports his choices with data, technology and objective parameters and draws on RBFA's sporting expertise and structure," the job advert adds. "He knows how to win trophies in top competitions.

"The new national team coach is an ambassador for Belgian football, helping to promote the RBFA values and is available full time."

In the online advert, the RBFA also open up about the 'disappointment' of being eliminated from the Qatar World Cup so early on.

"Football is a daily passion for more than half a million Belgians. Football connects and unites us. It is in our DNA. As the Royal Belgian Football Association, we have been organising our sport at all levels for over 126 years. We apply our knowledge, experience and enthusiasm every day to our mission: the organisation and development of football in our country.

"With its new base camp in Tubize, the RBFA has a fully-fledged national football centre. It is the beating heart of Belgian football. A brand new complex, modern and ecologically designed with all the necessary facilities and technologies.

"The Red Devils were number one in the world rankings for four years, qualified for four consecutive final tournaments and finished third place at the World Cup in Russia. But the early elimination at the World Cup in Qatar was disappointing. However, all elements are in place to be successful again 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."

Applications must be received by 10/01/2023 at the following mail address: [email protected].