In an exclusive conversation with Flashscore, Al Gharafa’s current coach, Pedro Martins, shared insights about his time in Qatar during his second international coaching role. The Portuguese tactician revealed his aspirations to manage in both Brazil and England, discussed the title race in Portugal, and reflected on the national team’s performance following their match against Denmark.
Martins, a former player, boasts an extensive coaching resume that includes successful stints at MarÃtimo, Rio Ave, and Vitória SC, where he consistently led his teams to European competitions. His career took an exciting turn in 2018 when he moved to Greece, claiming three championships with Olympiacos in his first experience outside of Portugal.
Currently, Martins is at Al Gharafa, having joined the club in 2022 and playing a vital role in revitalising one of Qatar’s prominent football clubs as the league continues to grow.
What led you to Qatar?
“I was drawn by various factors. Most importantly, I wanted to experience a different environment. I had just departed a demanding club and league when this opportunity presented itself, and I felt it was the right time to accept it.
“Additionally, there’s the growth of Qatari football. The league is operated by a committee, reminiscent of systems like the NBA, led by Antero Henrique, who enlightened me about their vision, implementation strategies, and future goals for five years down the line.
“I found this vision intriguing. Football allows us to explore new places, contributing to our personal development. I also recognise the financial appeal of this project.”
Since the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, have you noticed an increase in interest in football? Has there been a surge? Is there a ‘Cristiano Ronaldo effect’ in the region?
“The Cristiano Ronaldo effect is more evident in Saudi Arabia. However, his presence undeniably has a remarkable impact globally. No club possesses an image as powerful as his.
“In this regard, he has projected a compelling image of the Arab world. Yet when discussing the league, we should consider the local demographics: with a population of three million, only 15% are Qatari, including many from North Africa and Asia, many of whom are not deeply engaged in football.
“Still, there has been vast development in football. Attendance at stadiums has surged significantly for Al Gharafa, although we aspire for even greater numbers. Moreover, the overall standard of the game in Qatar has improved remarkably.
“There are excellent coaches, and younger players are being signed, with transfers making an impact. We see players transitioning into the league at ages 28 and 29, which is contributing positively to the growth of football in the region. This is evident in the physical fitness and pace of the game.
“Clubs enjoy top-tier infrastructure and facilities; however, a collective effort is needed to professionalise their operations, creating a much more competitive environment.”
Having won the Greek championship three times with Olympiacos, do you view that as one of the most significant achievements in your career?
“Absolutely, but it’s critical to acknowledge that Olympiacos provided me with the environment to thrive as a champion. Clubs like MarÃtimo, Vitória SC, or Rio Ave did not present the same kind of opportunities.
“What I accomplished at those clubs, however, was commendable, especially in my first year at Vitória when we finished fourth and reached the Portuguese Cup final—a remarkable season indeed.
“Several campaigns at MarÃtimo featured a focus on nurturing young talent; we enjoyed some excellent runs through the years. The same goes for Rio Ave—no trophies, yet we fulfilled our goals.”
You’re renowned for developing players’ potential. Players like Raphinha from Vitória SC and Ederson from Rio Ave were young prospects during your time. Did you recognise their potential early on?
“Definitely, they both displayed immense talent and were clearly on a path of progression. If they developed further, I believed they’d reach greater heights. Honestly, while I recognised Raphinha’s skill, I never imagined he would ascend to Barcelona. It wasn’t due to a lack of talent, but he was still quite young.
“He had a stellar season under my coaching at Vitória SC, and at Sporting as well. While now he’s enjoying what many consider his best season, only he can confirm that. He has matured significantly since then, possessing a natural scoring instinct and playing style that sees him take risks and seize opportunities.
“After moving from Brazil at a young age, he learned the timing between pressing and relaxing. Ederson was a standout as well; when he joined Rio Ave, I admit I went for Cássio due to experience.
“I didn’t doubt his readiness, given Ederson’s quality, but for critical matches—like the Super Cup and Europa League—having a seasoned player like Cássio was fundamental.
“However, after a few months, Ederson proved his worth. His aerial ability and ball distribution are extraordinary. It was evident they were destined for success, but predicting the trajectory of football remains uncertain.”
Raphinha’s eagerness to learn is a hallmark of his success, complemented by a supportive family environment.
“I foster close relationships with my players. Even though I didn’t know his parents well, it was clear he had a robust family foundation, being quite attached to them. His desire to excel in football made a significant difference in his journey to success.
“He was a player always eager to listen and receptive to information. He had natural talent, but his accomplishments are due to hard work, dedication, and commitment.”
Pedro Martins reflects on coaching Raphinha
Flashscore
Nuno EspÃrito Santo is carrying on the tradition of successful Portuguese managers in England. Are you impressed by his performance at Nottingham Forest?
“Nuno has had an exceptional season, but this is far from his first success. He won the championship in Saudi Arabia (with Al Ittihad) two seasons ago. At Wolverhampton, he guided the team from the Championship to Premier League safety; his impact at Rio Ave was commendable as well.
“His time at FC Porto may have been less successful, but otherwise he has enjoyed some phenomenal seasons. His current work is nothing short of extraordinary. Nottingham is one of the toughest leagues globally, and to see them in third place is remarkable. I doubt there is any coach worldwide who could replicate these results.”
Marco Silva is thriving at Fulham, while Ruben Amorim’s time at Manchester United appears challenging despite his well-regarded work at Sporting. What are your thoughts?
“I recently encountered Marco Silva at a forum for the National Coaches Association; he has spent eight years in England, so he has nothing to prove, as his track record demonstrates. His long tenure at Fulham shows stability, effectiveness, and trust from the club.
“Conversely, Ruben Amorim has faced greater challenges, joining mid-season at a club with high expectations and perhaps a squad that doesn’t align with championship aspirations. He needs to navigate this year, prepare the team, and implement his philosophy for the following season.
“His stint at Sporting was amazing. In England, as mentioned, he requires more time to establish himself. And let’s not overlook VÃtor Pereira, who took the reins at Wolverhampton under challenging circumstances; the team has notably improved, now nine points clear of the relegation zone.
“Pereira’s appointment signals a qualitative step forward for Wolves. He’s demonstrating excellence, matching Nuno’s achievements but in a shorter timeframe and with less support.”
You’ve expressed great enthusiasm for the Premier League. Is managing there something you’d aspire to in the future?
“Absolutely, whether in the Premier League or the Championship, where there’s a chance to progress. It’s the premier football spectacle globally.”
As a project-oriented coach, would you thrive in that environment?
“Without a doubt. I’m readily available and prepared for any setting. My experience encompasses leading teams in relegation battles, competing in European tournaments, dealing with significant financial constraints, and more balanced situations.
“I’ve managed teams with varying levels of social expectation, which equips me for any coaching role globally.”
Portuguese coaches are making waves in Brazil, a vast market where clubs often prioritise instant results over long-term building. Is that an appealing opportunity?
“I’ve been familiar with Brazilian football for many years and have compiled a rich database of connections in the Brazilian leagues, from Serie A to Serie B and state competitions. The talent in Brazil is abundant, and suddenly introducing new players into higher tiers keeps the competition alive.
“That aspect is compelling. Many may not reach the elite level, yet they demonstrate considerable technical skill. It’s a remarkable league I’d love to experience in the future.
“I’ve received numerous invites from Brazil, though nothing has materialised yet, but I hope to explore the wealth of talent available there.”
Is a move to Brazil on the horizon?
“Not immediately, but I believe it will happen eventually. The future is unpredictable, but I have faith it will come to fruition, just as I expect opportunities in England will present themselves.”
With the Club World Cup approaching, concerns about fixture congestion are rising, and both players and coaches are voicing their frustrations. Is this creating a challenging environment for professional football?
“We certainly need to elevate the standards of football. The sheer volume of matches and competitions at both club and international levels leaves players with little time to recuperate. They lack the essential downtime that everyone requires, directly linking fatigue to a greater incidence of serious injuries.
“Financial figures have reached unprecedented levels due to expanding competitions and increased revenue for clubs. We must find a middle ground; perhaps some teams will need to withdraw from certain tournaments to sustain quality.
“We’re encountering challenges with player fatigue, as observed in the Portuguese national team, where players who performed remarkably in the Champions League appeared fatigued against Denmark.
“Squads will need to expand, with more personnel involved in their training regimes. Many injuries are preventable through effective management, but football has ample room to improve in this regard. To achieve this, we need more staff invested in player welfare to minimising injuries and ensuring competition balance.”
For coaches, the lack of time to implement their strategies is also tough.
“It’s becoming increasingly scarce. In Qatar, I don’t face that issue due to a less congested schedule. But at Olympiacos, we were constantly in a cycle of train, recover, and play. Longer training windows allowed for incremental progress, but we still faced losses due to the constraints of time.
“That’s why pre-season is vital. More specialised coaches for each segment are crucial. Once again, I insist that football must undergo a qualitative transition—achievable only with an increase in workforce.”
Finally, we must discuss the Portuguese League. We’re nearing a thrilling conclusion, particularly with the intense battle between Sporting and Benfica. Can we exclude FC Porto and SC Braga, who sit a distance behind?
“Yes, there’s still a lot at stake. Sporting needs to play at Luz, while Benfica heads to the Dragão, plus Braga remains competitive. There are many points to consider, so nothing is settled yet, even if the leading contenders appear to be Sporting and Benfica.
“Sporting has a more cohesive squad, yet Benfica possesses greater depth. It’s shaping up to be an exhilarating title race, potentially going down to the wire. We can never dismiss FC Porto, as they are a formidable team capable of making a comeback at any moment.”
The season’s deciding moments could hinge on the big games.
“Absolutely, though I acknowledge a noticeable decline in quality across most teams this year compared to last. This disparity contributes to the leading teams dropping fewer points.
“The difference in talent levels among teams is vast. We desire a more competitive league, but frequent player sales lead to natural challenges orchestrating effective rebuilds annually.
“Some teams experience the difficulties of losing several key players before managing to adjust, while this year, those disparities have been evident from the start.”
Portugal has recently qualified for the final four of the Nations League, albeit through a challenging route. There’s been considerable speculation surrounding Roberto MartÃnez’s position. Do you think that’s warranted?
“Denmark possesses many quality players. It’s not solely a matter of fatigue on our part; they also have several players competing in prestigious leagues. They can be a tough opponent when their first-choice eleven is on the pitch.
“Many remember when Denmark unexpectedly became European champions; it was a moment no one saw coming. The match was far from ideal for us, but that’s football. We faced daunting moments in the second leg, with Denmark causing us discomfort. We struggled to find a solution to counteract their strengths.
“We lost many possessions early, which affected our composure and inevitably led to increased anxiety. Nevertheless, I noted a team filled with immense belief. Even after drawing at 2-2, they quickly regrouped. While we strategised poorly at times, the team’s spirit was commendable.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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