Spain did not contact Martinez over head coach vacancy

Luis Enrique is Spain's new head coach and Roberto Martinez, of Belgium, has confirmed he did not hold talks over a potential move.

Published : Jul 15, 2018 19:58 IST

Roberto Martinez revealed that he was not contacted by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) ahead of its appointment of Luis Enrique as head coach.

Spaniard Martinez guided Belgium to third place at the World Cup and was linked with the Spain job after Fernando Hierro, stepping in for the sacked Julen Lopetegui, oversaw the 2010 champion's second-round defeat to Russia.

Former Barcelona boss Enrique has since been appointed and Martinez insists he heard nothing of interest from the RFEF in his home nation.

"Nobody called me from the Spanish Federation, not at all," the Belgium coach told Cadena SER.

Martinez signed a new two-year contract extension with the Red Devils prior to the World Cup, and he added: "After the World Cup, I will have a period of reflection."

Belgium's third-place finish was its best in World Cup history, as Martinez's men won six of their seven games in Russia.

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