Roberto Martinez opens up on link with Celtic manager's job

Belgium national team coach Roberto Martinez has revealed he was interviewed for the Celtic managerial job in 2009 after Gordon Strachan stepped down.

Martinez, who had spells managing Wigan and Everton before taking charge of the Red Devils, played in Scotland with Motherwell, and ahead of tonight’s clash with Scotland at Hampden, talked about the Hoops’ approach.

The Spaniard was in charge at Swansea City when the Celtic job came up, but admitted that the timing was wrong.

“I had conversations and I was always very impressed with the need to bring silverware,” he said, as reported by the Evening Times.

Roberto Martinez revealed he had been interviewed for the Celtic job but felt it wasn't the right time. Picture: Getty Images

“There was also the prospect of getting to the Champions League through the qualifying rounds and it was always a club that people are attracted to because of the intensity of the fans and what it means.

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“But at the time I had to go back to where I started my career in the UK, and where I staretd my coaching career, at Wigan.

“In life, there has to be the right timing for moves and at that time I wasn’t prepared to go away from my beginnings in the UK.

“[Taking the Wigan job] was a chance to go and work again with Dave Whelan, the man who brought me to Britain.”

Martinez added: “The opportunity of having conversations with Celtic is something that fills you with pride.

“It is a club with great tradition and a club that demands qualification in the Champions League. You can appreciate the status of the football club.”