Everybody who knew Maloney in his playing days, which came to an end in 2017 after two years with Hull City, would have bet the house on him getting involved in coaching. He was a sponge for new ideas, he read voraciously and studied the methods of some of the most interesting football minds.
Maloney and Martinez go back to their days together at Wigan Athletic, the Spaniard bringing in what he called an “elite brain” to work with the all-star cast in his ranks. Maloney’s an intelligent man with a thirst for knowledge and a work ethic that has endeared him to the superstars in the Belgium set-up.
In the beginning, he had to win them over, but there was never any doubt about his capacity to do it. He went around Europe to build relationships with them, from Spain to Germany, from Italy to England and beyond. One trophy-laden player after another, one massive club after another – and he relished the challenge.
“The level of player is high, so I don’t see it as pressure,” adds Maloney. “I just feel like it’s a motivating factor that we have players at such an elite level. I want to deliver something that is at that level. That’s what drives me on.
“It sounds easy to say, but I just assist Roberto on the pitch. The main tactical part of the session will be led by Roberto and there’ll be different technical things before or after it that I will take or jointly take.
“I’d say 60% of a session will be Roberto. He’ll lead the tactical stuff and the rest of it will be taken by myself and a few others.”
The calibre of player he’s dealing with is, of course, extraordinary and exhilarating. “Outstanding talents and absolutely terrific people,” he says before listing the magnitude of their achievements at club level.
Thibaut Courtois in goal – a La Liga title with Atletico Madrid, another with Real Madrid and three Premier League medals with Chelsea.
Eden Hazard – a league title with Lille, two more with Chelsea, another with Real Madrid. Kevin de Bruyne – three Premier League titles with Manchester City. Romelu Lukaku – one league championship with Anderlecht and a second with Inter Milan. Axel Witsel – a Russian league winner. Thomas Vermaelen – four La Ligas and one Champions League with Barcelona.
