Corentin Martins Eyes Mauritania Job, Outlines Vision for National Team
The Mauritanian Football Federation is expected to announce a new head coach in the coming days or weeks as the search continues for a successor to Patrice Neveu. Among the leading candidates is Frenchman Corentin Martins, who has already laid out an ambitious vision for the future of Mauritanian football.
The former Brest manager, who also played for clubs including Auxerre and Strasbourg, revealed in an interview with Mauritanie Football that he has formally applied for the role and believes Mauritania has untapped potential.
“I applied because I have a project for Mauritanian football,” Martins explained. “There is potential to be exploited using simple, effective methods that will allow us to build something solid. We need to focus on youth development and set up a scouting network to identify Mauritanian talent around the world who can contribute to the national team.”
Martins acknowledged that he already has some familiarity with players in the current Mauritanian setup, which he views as a strength in his candidacy. Despite not having coached in Africa before, the 45-year-old does not believe that will be a barrier to success.
“I know African footballers from my time as both a player and a coach,” he said. “I’ve spent holidays in Africa and I enjoyed the connection with nature, the sense of community, and the way people approach life. To be successful, you just need to add a dose of tactical and technical discipline.”
Martins’ experience on the pitch is extensive, having earned 14 caps for France and playing under legendary coaches like Guy Roux. Though his managerial résumé is mostly limited to French football, including a stint as manager of Brest in Ligue 2, he appears confident in his ability to adapt to the African football landscape.
The next Mauritania coach will inherit a team looking to build on recent improvements, particularly in youth development and international competitiveness. Martins’ emphasis on identifying diaspora players and instilling tactical discipline may appeal to federation officials keen to establish a more sustainable footballing structure.
Whether Martins is chosen or not, Mauritania’s decision will be a significant step in shaping the country’s football trajectory as they prepare for future regional and continental competitions.
