Time is ticking and Real Madrid are desperate to appoint a new full-time boss following Julen Lopetegui’s sacking last month. Santiago Solari is in temporary charge but Real are working hard to bring in a new manager.
Martinez appeared on course to at least be interviewed for the job after it emerged Belgium would not stop in the national team manager’s way if he wanted to join Real.
But the former Everton boss himself has ruled out an appointment.
When asked on VTM Nieuws about the Real post, he said: “We won’t waste our time on that.”
The refusal could be seen as a direct snub for Florentino Perez, the Real Madrid president working to find Lopetegui’s replacement.
Antonio Conte has already been approached but overlooked due to his contract demands.
Arsene Wenger is free but not likely to take the job, while Tottenham are desperate to keep hold of Mauricio Pochettino.
And Jose Mourinho – linked to Real as Lopetegui was facing the axe – appears just about secure at Manchester United for now.
As for Martinez, a spokesperson for the Belgian football federation issued a statement confirming Real would have to approach them first if they wanted to land the Spaniard.
“We don’t comment on contracts that the federation have with their collaborators and what we consider private matters,” said Stefan van Loock.
“If a club wanted to contact Mr. Martínez, they would have to reach an agreement with the federation first.”
Conte has been heavily linked to the post vacated by Julen Lopetegui following Real’s shambolic 5-1 El Clasico defeat to Barcelona.
The former Chelsea boss met with club bigwigs but demanded too much control for the club’s liking.
Calderon, who was Real president from 2006 to 2009, says Conte’s requests were unrealistic.
“He’s asked for three years and to come in with five people and have hands free for signings and transfers,” Calderon said.