Roberto Martinez: Whistle to Whistle

Well worth a watch in iPlayer. Its a fascinating insight into what's gone-on behind the scenes at the Belgian FA at the elite level since Martinez was appointed and makes you drool at what they have at their fingertips!

What he has done is in a short space of time turn a ramshackle outfit at that level behind the scenes into something that is a cross between St. George's Park @ Burton on the facilities side and Clairefontaine in France on the coaching. The results were almost instantaneous because of the crop of players who were at their peak, but more important than that he has created a system that identifies the next generation of talent and nurtures them, bringing them through as part of a group identity even if they are not playing in the top teams or regularly if they are. These are a pool of players who are identified as good enough both tactically and in ability at various age-groups. All those players are invited to train and those who pass muster on all counts are brought together as regularly as they can on training camps so they bond and play for each other as well as for the badge. The point behind the project is to leave behind a structure that self sustains long after they have gone whilst also able to evolve. Seems to be working well so far!