When it comes to building a successful team, especially one with its sights set on the biggest stages, head coach Roberto Martínez has a clear philosophy: it’s not just about the starting eleven. As the squad gears up for a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifying match against Ireland in Alvalade, Martínez made sure to hammer home this point. Every player in the group, he insists, plays a vital role in their journey.
Martínez pointed to the September training camp as a prime example. “We saw some really strong performances from players like Cancelo, Neves, and Félix,” he told RTP3. He explained that maintaining that high level, even with different tactical approaches, is exactly what the team needs. “It’s not about who starts the game. It’s about having a squad where everyone is fiercely competitive. These are the values that make the starting lineup strong and tactically sound,” he added.
Midfielder Bruno Fernandes once mentioned how he asks players to always bring something extra to the table. Martínez wholeheartedly agrees with this idea, especially when chasing tournament glory. He believes that at the highest level, where all teams boast top players, sheer talent isn’t the only separator. “The real difference comes down to how we understand the game, how we react, and our ability to show resilience,” Martínez noted. He recalled the Nations League win, highlighting how players coming off the bench made huge differences in key moments, perfectly complementing the strong performance of the starters. With 25 players on the roster, even those not starting need to contribute, and Martínez sees the upcoming game as a chance for them to shine.
Naturally, questions arose about specific positions, like who would play on the left side of the field. When asked about Pedro Neto or Bernardo Silva, Martínez shared a bit of his strategy for the upcoming game. “Today, we’ll be using Nuno Mendes in more advanced spots,” he explained. “We also need to make good use of Bernardo’s intelligence in that area of the pitch.”
Looking ahead to the ultimate prize, winning the World Cup, Martínez admitted to a fondness for the dream itself. “Everything truly starts with a dream,” he said, acknowledging the inspiration drawn from legends like Eusébio and the 1966 national team. He recognizes the immense responsibility that comes with such aspirations. “We know that reaching that dream means taking many steps along the way,” Martínez stated. The ninety minutes on the field today, fighting to qualify, represent that all-important first step.