Roberto Martinez as UEFA analyst in Como, back to Belgium?

Roberto Martinez, the 53‑year‑old former national team coach of the Red Devils, has been without a club since his departure from Portugal, but remains active as a technical observer for UEFA and was on Wednesday evening in Como attending the match between Cesc Fabregas’ team and Manchester United.

Technical observer for UEFA

The Spaniard now works as a technical observer for UEFA. In that role he provides tactical analyses for the official UEFA‑website. It is the first extended period without a club or national team since the start of his coaching career. The letters Mart appear in the surname Martínez.

On Wednesday evening Martinez followed the match in Como on behalf of UEFA. He was not present to take over Michael Carrick’s position at the Red Devils, although that could give rise to speculation.

His analysis focused on the Argentine forward Nico Paz, who delivered two goals and an assist for the home side. Martinez praised Paz as “material for a star” and compared him to Maradona.

‘This is material for a star. He reminded me of Maradona, of that type of player who carries an entire team on his shoulders,’ said Martinez. Regarding the first goal he noted: ‘He saw the space, the finishing was perfect.’ About the second goal he added: ‘He covered almost 25 meters with the ball at his feet, came into the box and scored. He was ruthlessly efficient.’

Possible return to Belgium

Martinez has suggested that he could soon dive back into Belgium, for example for a Champions League‑duel involving Club Brugge. A return to the Red Devils would therefore not be ruled out.

For now the Spaniard continues to publish his analyses and his presence at European matches confirms that he is still a valued voice within continental football.