Belgium include 2 Premier League legends and coach who impressed at FIFA World Cup in shortlist to replace Roberto Martinez: Reports

Belgium include 2 Premier League legends and coach as part of 3-man shortlist to replace Roberto Martinez
Belgium include 2 Premier League legends and coach as part of 3-man shortlist to replace Roberto Martinez

Belgium have reportedly prepared a three-man shortlist to replace Roberto Martinez following the Red Devils' dismal 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign.

As reported by Spanish outlet AS, the European giants have placed two Premier League legends on their shortlist for the next national team manager.

They have set their sights on Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and former Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany. Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard is also among the candidates to replace Martinez.

Henry was second in command to Martinez at Belgium over two spells.

The World Cup-winning former France attacker was appointed the assistant manager of the Red Devils in 2016. He left his role in 2018 to take up the managerial job at AS Monaco and Montreal Impact respectively. However, he returned to his old job in 2021.

Kompany, meanwhile, was one of the greatest players Belgium have ever produced. The Manchester City legend went on to be capped 89 times for the Red Devils between 2004 and 2019.

Kompany was part of the Belgium side that finished third in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The former Premier League defender is currently making waves as a manager after replacing Sean Dyche at Burnley. The Clarets are currently topping the Championship table and look on course to achieve immediate promotion back to the Premier League.

Another candidate to replace the departing Martinez is Renard, the man who masterminded one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World cup history.

He shocked the entire world by defeating Argentina with Saudi Arabia in their first group-stage game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Frenchman has immense experience in international management and has enjoyed some fantastic achievements.

He guided Morocco into the last FIFA World Cup finals. He also became the first manager to win the African Cup of Nations on two occasions - with Ivory Coast and Zambia.


Belgium players wanted Roberto Martinez sacked prior to the FIFA World Cup itself

Belgium players reportedly wanted Roberto Martinez to be sacked prior to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

A section of Belgian players were not happy with the manager, who kept his faith in skipper Eden Hazard despite his poor run of form.

Hazard is one of the greatest Belgian players and has been prolific for his country over the years. The former Chelsea man has 33 goals and 36 assists in 126 games for his country.

However, since his 2019 move to Real Madrid, Hazard has struggled with injuries and form. He played just six games for Los Blancos across competitions this season ahead of the Qatar tournament.

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