Martinez Losa Concludes Role as Scotland Women’s Head Coach

Pedro Martinez Losa is no longer the head coach of the Scotland women’s national team, following the team’s unsuccessful qualification bid for Euro 2025. The team, led by the Spanish coach, was defeated 2-0 on aggregate by Finland in the play-offs this month. This follows their previous failure to qualify for the 2023 World Cup, also through play-offs. A search for a new head coach has commenced, as the team has Nations League fixtures scheduled for February. Martinez Losa, aged 48, had signed a new contract with the Scottish FA last year, extending his term until the 2027 World Cup; however, the board has opted to terminate his contract prematurely. SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell stated: “I would like to thank Pedro for his efforts over the past three and a half years.” He added, “While we shouldn’t lose sight of the recent unbeaten run and winning promotion from Nations League Group B, the primary objective was to qualify for a major tournament again.” Martinez Losa conveyed to the SFA website: “I am immensely proud of the journey we have undertaken as a group and it has been a privilege to lead the Scotland women’s national team.” He continued, “Watching young talent flourish alongside our experienced players has been a highlight of my time here.” He concluded, “I leave with fond memories and gratitude to my squad, backroom staff and the passionate supporters, who have been unwavering in their backing. Scotland will always hold a special place in my heart and I wish the team every success in the future.” The Scotland women’s team last participated in a major tournament at the 2019 World Cup in France, under the management of Shelley Kerr. This marked their second consecutive appearance in the finals. Prior to that, Anna Signeul’s team competed in Euro 2017 in the Netherlands, which was the first occasion a Scotland women’s side had qualified for a major event. Subsequently, Kerr’s team failed to qualify for the subsequent European Championships, and Martinez Losa’s Scottish squad was defeated in a World Cup play-off by the Republic of Ireland in 2022. Martinez Losa, who previously coached Bordeaux women, also held positions at Arsenal women and Rayo Vallecano Femenino, achieving trophy wins with both clubs. The SFA is now tasked with appointing the 10th permanent head coach for its senior women’s team. The Scotland women’s team is scheduled to play Austria away on 21 February for their Nations League A Group 1 opening match, followed by a home game against the Netherlands four days later. Subsequent fixtures include home and away matches against Germany in April, with the reverse games against Austria and the Netherlands set for late May or early June. Martinez Losa’s three-and-a-half-year tenure has concluded. His appointment occurred after Scotland had failed to qualify for a third consecutive major tournament. His objective was to return the national team to major competitions; however, he departs having overseen two play-off final losses. He managed a talented squad during his time. The Spanish coach had pledged to implement an attack-minded, possession-based style of play. The initial leg of the recent Euro 2025 play-off final against Finland took place at Easter Road. In the return leg in Helsinki, the team conceded two goals within 28 minutes. Martinez Losa introduced defenders Lisa Evans and Emma Mukandi, both 32, as second-half substitutes. The Scottish FA had extended his contract until 2027 last September. Throughout his leadership, the team secured only one competitive victory against a top-30 ranked opponent, which was against Austria in the 2023 World Cup semi-final play-off. Martinez Losa faced criticism during his period as coach. With his departure, the team is once again outside of the major tournament qualification discussion. Discussions are anticipated regarding who will be appointed as the Spaniard’s successor. The governing body has stated that the recruitment process “will begin immediately.”