Mark van Bommel is finalising his appointment as Belgium's new head coach, and his backroom team is taking shape. According to Het Nieuwsblad, Maarten Martens and Boudewijn Zenden are set to join the Dutch tactician's staff with the Belgian national team.
Martens, 42, brings recent head coaching experience despite being without a club since AZ Alkmaar sacked him in January following a run of poor results. The former defender earned nine caps for Belgium as a player but missed the country's acclaimed Golden Generation era, with his final appearance coming in 2010. His transition to assistant coach marks a new chapter after nearly two decades in managerial roles across Dutch football.
Dutch Influence in Belgium's Backroom
Van Bommel's coaching structure is expected to be dominated by Dutch staff members, reflecting his own background. Zenden, who earned 54 caps for the Netherlands, brings valuable European experience from his playing career, including a spell at Olympique Marseille that left him fluent in French—a significant advantage given Van Bommel's language limitations. The 49-year-old coach is committed to improving his French before taking charge, while Zenden's linguistic skills will ease communication with Belgium's multilingual squad.
Zenden's previous working relationship with Van Bommel at PSV strengthens the partnership, ensuring tactical alignment and established chemistry within the coaching team. His credentials span elite clubs across multiple leagues, adding credibility to Belgium's technical direction.
Timeline and European Championship Focus
Van Bommel's official announcement is expected within days, with a contract running until 2028 already prepared. Belgium views this appointment as crucial for mounting a serious challenge at the European Championship, with the federation prioritizing continental success. Van Bommel's son, Ruben, has already joked on ESPN that the deal should be finalized imminently, suggesting all parties are aligned on the arrangement.
With Martens and Zenden now confirmed as key assistants, the Belgian Football Association completes a management overhaul aimed at restoring the national team's competitiveness after recent disappointments.
