Martínez Calls Seven Dropped Portugal Players But Paulinho Still Waiting

Roberto Martínez has personally telephoned seven players left out of Portugal's latest World Cup 2026 squad, but one notable name remains uncalled. The Portugal manager cited time zone differences as the reason he hasn't yet reached Paulinho.

The revelation came as Martínez explained his approach to managing squad omissions ahead of crucial qualifying fixtures. His admission that the Sporting CP midfielder is the only uncalled player among eight notable absences raises questions about the true nature of this particular exclusion.

Martínez's Personal Touch: Seven Calls Made, One Still Pending

The Portugal manager has made it his practice to personally contact players who miss out on international selection. It's a gesture he frames as "a question of respect" rather than justification.

I haven't spoken to Paulinho yet due to the time difference

This approach marks a departure from many international managers who delegate such communications to assistants or federation officials. By making these calls himself, Martínez demonstrates a hands-on management style that prioritises player relationships.

The Seven Who Got the Call

While Martínez didn't name the seven players he has already contacted, the personal outreach suggests these are established internationals rather than fringe candidates. The fact that he's tracking exactly who he has and hasn't called indicates a methodical approach to squad management.

For players receiving these calls, it's both consolation and motivation. The manager's direct communication keeps the door open for future selection while acknowledging their current disappointment.

The Paulinho Question: Why Time Zones Matter in Modern Football

Paulinho's situation stands out precisely because he's the exception. The 29-year-old midfielder currently plays for Sporting CP in Lisbon, making the time zone explanation particularly intriguing.

Portugal operates on Western European Time, the same as Lisbon where Paulinho plays his club football. This detail transforms Martínez's explanation from a simple logistical note into something more complex.

Reading the Diplomatic Signals

Several interpretations emerge from this timing excuse:

• Paulinho may have been travelling internationally with Sporting CP
• The midfielder could have been on personal leave in a different time zone
• Martínez might be buying time for a particularly sensitive conversation
• The delay could signal that Paulinho's omission is more permanent than others

In international football, such diplomatic language often masks deeper selection dilemmas. Managers rarely cite time zones as barriers to urgent communications in an era of instant messaging and 24/7 connectivity.

Reading Between the Lines: What These Calls Reveal About Portugal's Squad Dynamics

Martínez's selective communication pattern offers a window into Portugal's evolving squad dynamics as they prepare for the expanded World Cup in North America.

The fact that eight established players missed out on selection suggests significant competition for places. Portugal's golden generation, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, is gradually giving way to emerging talents, creating selection headaches across multiple positions.

The Respect Factor

By framing these calls as matters of "respect", Martínez acknowledges the human element in squad selection. This approach serves multiple purposes:

• Maintains positive relationships with players who might return to the squad
• Prevents media speculation about rifts or controversies
• Demonstrates professionalism to the broader squad
• Sets expectations for how omissions will be handled

Paulinho's Unique Position

The midfielder's uncalled status places him in limbo. At 29, Paulinho sits at a crucial age for international footballers - experienced enough to contribute but potentially blocking pathways for younger talents.

His omission could signal a generational shift in Portugal's midfield, where competition includes established stars and emerging prospects. The delayed call might indicate Martínez is crafting a particularly careful message about Paulinho's international future.

What Happens Next

Martínez will eventually make that eighth call, but the delay has already sent its own message. For Paulinho, the wait continues while his Sporting CP teammates prepare for Portugal's upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The episode illustrates how modern international management extends beyond tactical decisions to careful stakeholder management. As Portugal builds towards 2026, Martínez's communication strategy may prove as important as his formations in maintaining squad harmony and competitive edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why hasn't Roberto Martínez called Paulinho yet?
Martínez cited time zone differences as the reason for not yet contacting Paulinho about his omission from Portugal's squad. However, since Paulinho plays for Sporting CP in Lisbon, this explanation has raised questions about whether there are other factors involved in the delay.

How many players did Martínez call about being left out?
The Portugal manager has personally called seven players who were omitted from the squad. Paulinho would be the eighth call, which Martínez says he plans to make once the timing is appropriate.

Is Paulinho still in Portugal's World Cup 2026 plans?
While Paulinho has been left out of the current squad, Martínez's intention to call him suggests he remains in consideration. The manager describes these calls as a matter of respect, indicating the door isn't necessarily closed on future selection.

Where does Paulinho play his club football?
Paulinho currently plays for Sporting CP in Lisbon, Portugal. The 29-year-old midfielder has been a regular in Portuguese football, making the time zone explanation for the delayed call particularly noteworthy.

Why does Martínez personally call omitted players?
Martínez views these personal calls as a matter of respect rather than justification. This hands-on approach helps maintain positive relationships with players who might return to the squad and demonstrates professionalism in managing the human side of selection decisions.