Roberto Martinez in talks for Netherlands job

Why Martinez still appeals

Reports suggest Martinez, now 53, remains attractive because his CV is unusual in this market.

• He has worked almost exclusively in elite international football since 2016.
• He led Belgium through four consecutive tournaments.
• He then took charge of Portugal, handling a squad with major expectations and the late-career presence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

That profile matters. International management is a different trade from club coaching: less time on the training pitch, more emphasis on tournament planning, squad balance and pressure management. Martinez has lived in that world for years, which is why a country like the Netherlands would reportedly see him as a ready-made fit.

What Scotland could miss

For Scotland, the attraction was not only pedigree. Reports have linked Martinez with the role partly because of his personal connection to the country and his familiarity with British football.

• He has longstanding ties to Scotland.
• He would bring major-tournament experience.
• He would offer a higher-profile option than many names likely to be available.

There is, of course, a counterargument. His time with Belgium is still judged against a gifted generation that did not win a major trophy. That record keeps the debate alive: strong experience, but not a flawless record.

The wider coaching-market impact

If Martinez does land in Amsterdam, the coaching market tightens for Scotland. Established international managers are scarce, and once one of the most recognisable candidates is removed, the search can quickly shift from ambition to compromise.

The next step is simple: watch whether the Netherlands formalise their move. If they do, the focus at Hampden turns sharply to who is left - and whether Scotland now pivots toward a different kind of appointment.