Martinez in talks with Al-Nassr: the conflict of interest embarrassing Portugal

Portugal drew 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday in Houston, and the controversy that follows goes far beyond the result: Roberto Martinez is reportedly in talks with Al-Nassr to take over the Saudi club after the World Cup.

The revelation comes at the worst possible time. Martinez had already announced his departure from the Portuguese national team at the end of the tournament, regardless of the Seleção’s performance. But the prospect of a future contract with Cristiano Ronaldo’s club immediately casts doubt on his tactical decisions: the Spanish manager kept CR7 on the pitch for the full 90 minutes against the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite a performance widely criticized.

The question of Ronaldo’s starting role, at 41 years old, has already stirred Portuguese football since the start of the tournament. It takes on a new dimension if his manager is simultaneously negotiating to become his future club coach. Supporters and observers denounce an obvious conflict of interest, all the more difficult to ignore given that players like Gonçalo Ramos, Joao Félix, Gonçalo Guedes and Trincao were little or not used against the Democratic Republic of Congo — Ramos came on only in the 83rd minute.

Comparison with the tournament debuts of Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane intensifies the pressure on Ronaldo and his manager. Sportingly, the draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo does not yet jeopardize Portugal’s qualification, but the performance displayed leaves observers skeptical about the team’s ability to go far in the competition.

The Seleção’s next matches will be scrutinized with particular attention: each of Martinez’s team selection choices will now be read through the prism of his supposed interests at Al-Nassr.