Martinez Losa leaves Scotland women head coach role

Pedro Martinez Losa has left his role as head coach of Scotland women after the team failed to qualify for Euro 2025.

The Spaniard's side lost 2-0 on aggregate to play-off opponents Finland this month, having also missed out on the 2023 World Cup via the play-offs.

A recruitment process is under way to find a new head coach, with Nations League games scheduled for February.

Martinez Losa, 48, last year signed a new contract with the Scottish FA, taking him through to the 2027 World Cup, but the decision has been taken by the board to end his tenure early.

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: "I would like to thank Pedro for his efforts over the past three and a half years.

"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 told 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.

"Watching young talent flourish alongside our experienced players has been a highlight of my time here.

"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."

Scotland women last reached a major tournament when Shelley Kerr's side featured at the 2019 World Cup in France. It was a second successive finals appearance.

Anna Signeul's side had featured at Euro 2017 in the Netherlands - the first time a Scotland women team had made it to a major event.

However, Kerr's team missed out on the next European Championships and Martinez Losa's Scots lost a World Cup play-off against Republic of Ireland in 2022.

The former Bordeaux women coach had previously worked at Arsenal women and Rayo Vallecano Femenino, winning trophies with both.

The SFA will now seek to appoint their 10th permanent head coach for their senior women's team.

Scotland women face Austria away on 21 February in their Nations League A Group 1 opener and host the Netherlands four days later.

Home and away games against Germany follow in April before the return fixtures against the Austrians and the Dutch in late May/early June.

'Scotland's golden generation back to square one'

Three-and-a-half years of failure have, finally, come to an end.

Pedro Martinez Losa's appointment came at a crucial time, when Scotland had just missed out a third consecutive major tournament appearance.

His remit was clear. Get the national team back to the top table. Instead, he leaves having suffered two play-off final defeats.

That in itself was poor enough, but with the talented squad he had at his disposal hitting their prime, it was inexcusable.

As was the way Scotland played at times. The Spaniard promised an attack-minded, possession-based style of play. Fleetingly during his spell did we see it.

The first leg of the recent Euro 2025 play-off final against Finland at Easter Road was flat and flimsy with imagination and intent strangers to the cause.

It left an uphill battle in Helsinki where, after being 2-0 down in just 28 minutes, Martinez Losa brought on defenders Lisa Evans and Emma Mukandi, both 32, as second-half substitutes.

As eyebrow-raising a decision that was, none were more shocking than the Scottish FA's decision to hand him a contract extension to 2027 last September.

It felt unmerited and unnecessary at the time, and for the past 10 days, it's looked ridiculous.

During his time in charge, he only oversaw one competitive win against a top-30 side - Austria in the 2023 World Cup semi-final play-off.

Martinez Losa was never short of critics or doubters as his squad grew in age and regressed in accomplishment.

As he departs, they - this golden generation who have arguably missed their golden hour - are right back to square one. Out of the major tournament conversation.

There will be plenty talk in the next few days as to who will succeed the Spaniard. It's an appointment the powers at be cannot afford to waste again.

Have your say on Martinez Losa's exit

Have the Scottish FA made the right call in parting company with the Spaniard or should he have been given more time?

The governing body say the recruitment process "will begin immediately" - so who would you like to see appointed?

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