Martinez: Minimal difference between the two sides

, 3 April, 101comments  |  Jump to most recent

Roberto Martinez felt that his team deserved more from today's game at Old Trafford, one that saw his team fall to a fourth defeat in five games and remain rooted in the wrong half of the Premier League.

Everton could only muster one shot on target in the entire 90 minutes against an ordinary and uninspired Manchester United team and were punished at the other end by a defensive slip that allowed Anthony Martial to plunder a 54th-minute winner.

“It's a real disappointment,” Martinez said after the game. “I thought we stopped Manchester United from having a controlling game, from having a normal performance at home.

“We're very disappointed with the goal we conceded and from that point you feel that we created the better chances, hitting the crossbar. We had a couple of half opportunities.

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“In the first half, we didn't make the right choice or the timing of our choice wasn't good in certain good opportunities that we could have had.

“All in all, we need to do much better in terms of just being able to get a better result out of the performance of the two teams.

“The difference between the two teams was minimal but we end up losing the game and that's where the disappointment lies. We should have done a lot better in our performance.”

Asked if he was worried about the fact that his team had lost three games on the trot, Martinez disagreed with the notion and fell back on his assertion that, Arsenal aside, his team has been playing well but not getting the right results.

“No, I think we need to regroup. I think we're still getting through a period that is very important for us. Obviously, we had a very important win in between the two defeats; one defeat (against West Ham) was in the space of 12 minutes where were down to 10 men. That was a performance that deserved a lot more.

“Out of those three games, there's only been a terrible performance against Arsenal (where we) weren't ourselves at all. Today is different. Today I think we lost because we couldn't show better execution in certain moments of the game and we conceded that very soft goal.

“We need to make sure that between now and the end of the season, we can display a better mentality in those sorts of performances.”

 

Reader Comments (101)

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Peter Griffiths
2 Posted 04/04/2016 at 06:41:13
This fraud has to go before the semi final to give us a fighting chance of cup glory.

No organisation, no Plan B, no idea, lost the crowd and seems to have lost the dressing room!

James Peter
3 Posted 04/04/2016 at 06:52:24
Dead man walking here. I felt numb after watching that game yesterday, alarmingly not bothered. As much as I want to win every game, I'm equally aware that every loss is another nail in his coffin. It can't come soon enough for me.

The only thing I'm worried about is this negativity that must be permeating through the team and fans in the run up to the Semi. He should have been binned off weeks ago for a caretaker in my opinion.

Steve Bingham
4 Posted 04/04/2016 at 06:56:20
Can someone who I will respectfully listen to let me know if he said anything interesting please ? I have given up reading or listening to any manager interviews as I'm pretty certain we will get the same "we were unlucky or didn't deserve it" normal waffle.

Because I am an optimist by nature, I hope for the day that we may hear "rubbish and I will sort it !"... How cool would that be?
James Morgan
5 Posted 04/04/2016 at 07:11:45
Leicester have won fourteen games by a "minimal" one goal margin. But they also don't put minimal effort in, or do minimal training on defending.
Steve Bingham
6 Posted 04/04/2016 at 07:24:28
It's a real disappointment he says! Oh, I feel his pain! He hasn't got a scooby. He's the flamin cause of the pain.
Ian Burns
7 Posted 04/04/2016 at 07:26:03
For once I find myself agreeing with RM. There was minimal difference between the sides - both were utter crap; without direction and without passion.

The press give LVG a difficult time - RM gets away with anything like the sort of scrutiny the Dutchman has had to go through. I was hoping I was going to wake up the headline "Martinez Gone"!

Steve Bingham
8 Posted 04/04/2016 at 07:27:17
Can someone who I will respectfully listen to let me know if he said anything interesting please? I have given up reading or listening to any manager interviews as I'm pretty certain we will get the same "were unlucky or didn't deserve it" normal waffle.

Because I am an optimist by nature, I hope for the day that we may hear "rubbish and I will sort it!"... How cool would that be.

Kevin Naylor
9 Posted 04/04/2016 at 07:28:24
Disappointed, sounds a familiar catchphrase re Walter Smith,
he's right in one thing though there wasn't much between two awful sides.
Chris Williams
10 Posted 04/04/2016 at 07:37:47
Like James @3 I felt uninvolved and disinterested yesterday. It didn't matter to me watching a flat, uninspiring display. No stand out performances from a bang average squad.

This is not an underperforming squad, or the best in a generation. This is a squad performing to a level it deserves to be at, and the table does not lie.

Give me a younger Cahill, Arteta, Pienaar, Lescott over this overhyped bunch any time.

Steve Bingham
11 Posted 04/04/2016 at 07:38:26
When he got the job in 2013, I got into a right old argument with a Wigan supporter who said that he would ruin the team after making a good start.

I disagreed saying that he had a squad of much better players and the quality would stop this happening. I would like it known that I was wrong!!

Richard Lyons
12 Posted 04/04/2016 at 07:39:36
"I think we're still getting through a period that is very important for us."
So that's a period of consecutive defeats and passion-free football bereft of ideas?

I know how long this "period" will last, Señor Martinez: until you resign or get sacked!

Christopher Marston
13 Posted 04/04/2016 at 07:44:57
Tick-tock, tick-tock...
Ray Smith
14 Posted 04/04/2016 at 07:58:16
Richard #12

He won't resign.

Will have to be sacked and that won't happen until Moshiri and Bill fall out.

Long dismal times ahead!!!

Ged Simpson
15 Posted 04/04/2016 at 08:07:19
I think the sad thing is those of us who felt disinterested. I increasingly feel that anyway due to a bunch of overpaid prats making up the Premier League.

But when my own team arse around without much fight, I lose more interest. I fear for us against Liverpool and cannot see 2 wins on the trot to win Cup. I hope the new owner has a plan.

John Keating
18 Posted 04/04/2016 at 08:14:24
Yes, Roberto, not much between the sides. But one is in contention for Europe and one isn't

One has a manager who admits faults and one doesn't.

One has a manager who is talked about as getting heaved at the end of the season and one fucking should be.

Jim Bailey
19 Posted 04/04/2016 at 08:18:46
RS 3-0 EFC

Reporter: "That was tough today, Roberto."

RM: Yes, we were up against a top top side today but I think we deserved better.

REP: How so?

RM: Well, we had some good moments of possession when mentally we were in a good moment and we controlled much of the game. Don't forget that this is a young squad with huge potential and we will learn from this.

REP: What was Joel thinking for the first goal?

RM: Well you know this is a young man, a goalkeeper and all goalkeepers like to think they can play a bit, I will have a chat with him and say that he should not try Cryuff turns in the six-yard box.

REP: Two subs at half-time, Roberto, what was the thinking behind them?

RM: Well, Geri told me that he was very tired after running past the full back all the time and putting crosses in, he is on a ventilator as we speak, but he is a young man with huge potential and he will learn from this. As for Rom, he told me that he was feeling a bit lonely on his own and was finding it difficult to concentrate so mentally he wasn't in a good moment.

I brought Kone on as he is a young man with huge potential and Hibbert I thought could unlock their top top defence as he is a young man with massive potential, and Ross told me that he didn't know which way was up anymore. I am not sure what that means but Ross is a phenomenal talent so it will no doubt be meaningful.

REP.: Erm, ok. On to the semi Roberto, how do you see that going?

RM: Well, we are up against a top top team with fantastic players so we will have to make sure that mentally we will be in a good moment and these amazing young players who have phenomenal potential will be able to express themselves on a day that is massive for this great football club.

REP: Thanks Roberto.

RM: You're welcome.

Dave Lynch
20 Posted 04/04/2016 at 08:31:06
Insipid shite performance and insipid inane ramblings from a clueless man.

The only person not learning from our performances is Martinez himself, I fear the Derby more than the semi to be honest, a good kicking in that will finish me off.

John Keating
21 Posted 04/04/2016 at 08:40:48
Nice one Jim
Les Martin
22 Posted 04/04/2016 at 08:54:43
Sadly only intense fan power and lobbying of Bill will get this charlatan out.
Sam Hoare
23 Posted 04/04/2016 at 08:57:16
Not his daftest comments by a long shot. It was a tight game and a draw would not have been an unfair result. But the fact is that we keep being on the wrong end of these tight games and ultimately someone has to take responsibility for that. Roberto's absolute refusal to put his hand up and admit that maybe he's not been getting it right is strongly contributing to the anger felt towards him.

Like others I have begun to lose interest. I barely reacted when Utd scored, it felt inevitable to be honest and mine and other fan's apathy to Everton at the moment is perhaps the most daming indictment of Roberto's legacy here. Under Moyes it was rare that we would have nothing to fight for in April with European places and maybe Champions League still in our sights, the last two seasons have seen us fall away and become firmly established as a mid-table side, looking behind us almost more than ahead.

I see zero evidence to suggest that RM is capable of returning us up the table despite the players at his disposal.

Mark Pierpoint
24 Posted 04/04/2016 at 09:03:42

From the Telegraph today:

Martinez said:, “It is fair to say we adapted to the game really well. Maybe we shocked Manchester United a little bit. They never seemed to feel comfortable.

“We didn't use the opportunities of great one-on-ones well enough. The second half, we have got into a comfortable mood, we switched off in one action which was an unfortunate easy goal to concede, and that moment was a massive blow.

“You don't expect to concede when you are well in the game. The reaction was straight away hitting the bar and the reaction was more with our heart than our head, that is our only disappointment.”

Totally dispiriting and totally pathetic remarks. Nothing more to add on this.

Barry McNally
25 Posted 04/04/2016 at 09:05:34
Agree with Roberto but Man Utd are shite! Two managers that won't be in the Premier League next season.
Trevor Peers
26 Posted 04/04/2016 at 09:06:17
Kenwright's comment after the Chelsea game about the fantastic one is really insulting, he hired Roberto and privately must know he's useless, but some people in charge of football clubs will never admit they got it wrong, they think their infallible.

He will be forced to sack Roberto at some stage or risk relegation, winning the cup would be great but irrelevant. Next season with Roberto in charge will see us slip even further towards the bottom it's obvious, even to Kenwright.

Colin Glassar
27 Posted 04/04/2016 at 09:13:23
Is it true that when asked about the booing from the Everton fans (after the game) Roberto said "the booing in the dressing room was even louder". What a bizarre thing to say. Does that mean that when the players were getting changed they started booing each other?
Dave Abrahams
28 Posted 04/04/2016 at 09:14:07
Ray (14) surely the fact that we are still in the FA Cup is the only reason Martinez is still in charge of the club, he simply has to be dismissed as soon as the cup run ends.
David Hallwood
29 Posted 04/04/2016 at 09:17:57
One shot on target in 90 mins which adds up to one shot in 180 mins factoring in the Arsenal 'performance'.

Can't keep a clean sheet to save out lives and we've relied on Rom's goals with no support from Barkley who's turning into Ray Wilkins In front of our eyes. A lot of posters have given a can't be arsed attitude but I've never screamed at the TV so much when Barkley gets the ball with space to run into only to check and lay a 5-yard ball off.

I want the old Ross back the one that ran the length of the field v Newcastle or to set up a goal v Arsenal not the 'possession at all costs' which Booby obviously demands.

I'm dreading the derby and the semi and I'm back to last year just wanting the season to be over. Moshiri, over to you.

Barry Pearce
30 Posted 04/04/2016 at 09:26:30
Can't believe he still hasn't been sacked.

Everything should be done to get Koeman.

Derek Thomas
31 Posted 04/04/2016 at 09:28:40
Quite true as far as it goes; They were crap and we were crapper by several factors of crapola-ness.

Taxi!

Gerard Carey
33 Posted 04/04/2016 at 09:31:07
If losing the Cup semi final meant Martinez got the sack, I would accept that.

Hate the fact that I wrote that last sentence but I can't take another season of this dire shite from a manager who is clueless and dragging this great club down.

Brian Porter
34 Posted 04/04/2016 at 09:35:06
I'm sick and fed up with this fraud's inane ramblings. Can no-one in authority (Mr Moshiri perhaps) see how he is destroying our once great club? He has to go, before the semi final. No way can he motivate the players any more, if he ever could. I think even they have had enough of him.

They simply give the impression they don't care any more and in a way, who can blame them? They're probably as dispirited and confused by his failure as a tactician as we are but have to follow his instructions or risk losing their place in the team.

As others have said. LVG gets tons of stick from the media and his own club despite challenging for Champions League, but Martinez gets away with destroying our club, taking us down into the bottom half and no one says a dicky bird. WHY?

Anthony Dwyer
35 Posted 04/04/2016 at 09:35:44
How much longer do we have to put up with this shit.
Ray Robinson
36 Posted 04/04/2016 at 09:38:32
Watching Leicester yesterday before our match, the big defining difference between the two sides is that in their case, everyone puts a shift in leaving nothing on the pitch.

We have some players who can be devastating on their day, but don't do the hard work – Barkley and Deulofeu most notably. Allowing players to express themselves is one thing but not demanding the required work rate is another. I know who I blame for the culture at the club.

Xavier Spencer
37 Posted 04/04/2016 at 09:54:36
Fuck me, Roberto, I know English is your second language but if I tried giving a press conference in Serbo-Croat it would make more sense.
John Keating
38 Posted 04/04/2016 at 09:57:01
During the last season Moyes was here and people were calling for his departure a few posters declared "be careful what you wish for"

I was one of those that ignored them and in fact told them where to go.

To all those posters, I humbly apologise.

Ray Smith
39 Posted 04/04/2016 at 10:14:22
Dave 28#

Dave, regrettably I fully agree with you.

Would be great to lift the cup, but at what expense?

Ste Byn
40 Posted 04/04/2016 at 10:15:35
Sack him now install a interim manager to boost moral and hopefully lift the cup. Let every manager know Everton Football Club is looking for a new boss, might even get some registering their interest to us, throwing some unexpected names into the mix, but also gives us time to look round and sound out potential new bosses.

Give the new man time to sit down with our players who look to be heading for the exit, might be a character to make players turn heads and sign up for another year.

Phil Walling
41 Posted 04/04/2016 at 10:20:13
I do believe that BK's 'What a manager!' remark was by no means off the cuff and was designed to prevent his new colleague developing any thoughts of sacking Roberto anytime soon.

Furthermore, I think the choice of Moshiri as a partner was based on his having no designs on 'playing Football Manager.' True, he promised to provide funds for players if required but Martinez made much of the fact that he had been assured that his Chairman and not the newcomer would continue to be 'the Conductor of Transfers.'

Moshiri's attraction for Kenwright was his money, his passive involvement with Arsenal, and a tacit agreement that he would concentrate on off-field matters such as the stadium project. I suspect the deal would never have gone through had Moshiri insisted in immediate overall control (51%) or had ambitions to become involved with the football side.

Only Roberto's Cup success – apart from some salesmanship from his mate, Whelan – could ever have persuaded Kenwright to appoint the Spaniard although the pair's common predilection to spouting bullshit ( 'He promised me Europe as soon as we met') must have been the basis for a common bond.

I hope I'm wrong but I truly believe that, whatever the Anfield result or the Cup outcome, 'The Philosopher' will get another season unless the relegation threat appears very early next term, as per the Walker experience!

Derek Thomas
42 Posted 04/04/2016 at 10:21:35
Anthony Dwyer #35; I seem to remember Mr Khrushchev the long gone Soviet Premier at the UN taking his shoe off, banging it on the table, saying much the same thing about the waffle.
Alan Haynes
43 Posted 04/04/2016 at 10:22:22
Chile coach Sampooli's response after Chile were beaten 3-0 by Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier in in Montevideo despite having 73% possession in the match.

Sampaoli said: “One night, I went to a bar, I was with a woman. We talked all night. We laughed, we flirted, I paid for several drinks of hers.

“At around 5am, a guy came in, grabbed her by the arm and took her to the bathroom. He made love to her and she left with him. That doesn't matter, because I had most of the possession on that night.”

Just about sums it up.

Dave Abrahams
44 Posted 04/04/2016 at 10:35:39
Phil (#41) – so what you are saying is that Martinez believes what Kenwright is telling him, he's not learning anything away from pitch as well, is he?

I pay attention to your posts, Phil; I think and hope you are completely wrong on this one.

Terence Tyler
45 Posted 04/04/2016 at 10:42:52
I can't comment on what he has said, as I can't bring myself to read his comments. Like the players, I don't believe in him anymore.
Phil Sammon
46 Posted 04/04/2016 at 10:43:23
Unfortunately I agree with Phil Walling @41.

I'm not sure what Moshiri's involvement is going to be, but Kenwright's 'What A Manager' comment was a way of publicly telling Moshiri and the fans that the gaffer will not roll. It was was shameless and underhanded and will slip seamlessly into the extensive back-catalogue of BK bullshit.

I'm afraid it's going to fall on the head of the match-goer to make enough of a fuss to see this plonker dismissed. Cup run or not, I think it's time there were some demos that the club and media simply cannot ignore.

Anto Byrne
47 Posted 04/04/2016 at 10:50:41
24 Howard
02 Hibbert
05 Heitinga
06 Jagielka
15 Distin (Cahill - 83' )
18 Neville
04 Gibson
21 Osman (McFadden - 63' )
22 Pienaar
25 Fellaini
07 Jelavic

This was the side that fought out a 4-4 draw in April 2012 it was a typical Moyes side 4-5-1 that was pretty much taken to the cleaners by a very good Man Utd side. Utd were cruising yet we got a draw.They showed passion blood and guts and with a couple of decent signings could well have been a top 4 side.

Fast-forward to 2016 and it's all change to an insipid 1-0 loss with a team that has no fight, no imagination, and no passion. We do have much better players but it's a team game and this team sucks as it can't do the basics and that's why you have a manager that sorts this stuff out. In our case, we don't and we have turned on players like Howard, Baines and Coleman when the flawed system has broken down.

Tony Abrahams
48 Posted 04/04/2016 at 10:55:00
Ant 35, for as long as we are prepared to accept it, maybe?

Frank Crewe
49 Posted 04/04/2016 at 11:34:37
“The difference between the two teams was minimal"

He's right. They were bad and we were worse.

Colin Glassar
50 Posted 04/04/2016 at 11:55:52
So the booing in the dressing room was right. Bloody hell Roberto, think before you speak. I see even the Echo are highlighting the fans discontent and are even saying that it looks like the players are no longer playing for him.
Chris O'Callaghan
51 Posted 04/04/2016 at 12:00:33
2/1 favourite is Mr Moyes to be next permanent manager with Paddy Power. Interesting this I was full sure he would be installed as Newcastle manager... maybe he's holding out for a return?

I would take him back with open arms at least he can sort out the mess that is our so called 'defence', if we can keep Lukaku (unlikely) then who knows Champions League could be a reality next season if we can add a solid striker with experience and know how. If we can keep Stones and turn him in to a rock again then anything is possible?

Kim Vivian
52 Posted 04/04/2016 at 12:01:11
Given the (extremely unlikely) choice, would ToffeeWebbers rather win the FA Cup this year with Roberto, or D Moyes as interim manager?
Dennis Stevens
53 Posted 04/04/2016 at 12:05:35
No, Kim. I'd rather not.
Oscar Huglin
54 Posted 04/04/2016 at 12:08:56
We were honestly quite unlucky to lose this. Even Van Gaal said in his post match that we were the better team. I'm giving bobby the benefit of the doubt here, I thought it was a respectable display away at Old Trafford, one that deserved much more.

Lennon, Baines and Cleverley in particular were very impressive.

Still not happy with him overall, to be clear.

Chris O'Callaghan
55 Posted 04/04/2016 at 12:11:58
2/1 to be next permanent manager with Paddy Power... Interesting this, I was full sure he would be installed Newcastle manager. Maybe he's holding out for a return?...

I would take him back with open arms. At least he can sort out the mess that is our so called 'defence', if we can keep Lukaku (unlikely) then who knows Champions League could be a reality next season. If we can add a solid striker with experience and know how and if we can keep Stones and turn him in to a rock again, then anything is possible?

Paul Smith
56 Posted 04/04/2016 at 12:11:58
Oscar, retreat to your bunker, mate. Is two shots on goal in 180 minutes of football good enough?

Just saying like.

Dave Lynch
57 Posted 04/04/2016 at 12:12:16
Moyes should never be let near our club again, the man is an arrogant, selfish prick.

No one remember the fact he took the job at Man Utd months before the end of the season? His comments at Utd about now being able to go out and win football matches?

His arrogance at telling us we where holding back the careers of Baines and Fellaini because we wouldn't basically sell the for fuck all to him?

He's a cunt of the highest order...

Colin Glassar
58 Posted 04/04/2016 at 12:15:16
What is this obsession about get OFM back? He sneaked around behind our backs, negotiated with the mancs while another of our seasons had fizzled out by January so why the fucking need to go and grovel to that man to "save us"?

Please have some self-respect. If there's a need to name an interim manager then let Sheedy or Unsy take charge. Why give it to some money grabbing failure like ginger? Get a grip and get over him!!

Jim Knightley
60 Posted 04/04/2016 at 12:17:46
There wasn't much difference between the sides to be fair, and United didn't deserve to win. We could have scored twice and United didn't create much. But we did lose, and that's the point.

In a season of brilliance, this could have been a result we stomached. In this season, it is just another failure to add to the pile. We are currently 12th, and I expect an 11th place finish. We've had relatively good luck with injuries, bar a spate of defensive ones earlier in the season. We've had no European football.

How can Martinez keep his job after this? How long do we have to put up with this? Our points total was the worse in 11? years last season, despite the clear ability of the squad. We've improved on that this season but risk finishing in the bottom half. We are beyond bad at home – we are embarrassing. And our away form is good but not as great as conceived by some – we've still only won 5 from 14 away, and have Leicester and Chelsea to go to yet.

He is right – there wasn't much difference between the sides. But United won. That is the 9th time they've won this season, and they've managed 30 points at home despite scoring only 20 goals. We, on the other hand, have scored 29 goals and managed 16 points and played one more at home than United.

That is a reality that cannot be concealed by 'a minimal difference between the two sides'. There is one key difference – United are incredibly efficient at home. We are incredibly inefficient, and our inefficient manager needs the sack. We need to make this clear. I don't think we should ever boo our own players at home, and we should support the team to the utmost during the game (although that's pretty hard to do at home at the moment). But we need to show our discontent after the games, and we need to keep showing it.

The Media, whilst becoming increasingly aware of the situation, should be chastising him for this season. They are not, because we are conceived as a 'smaller' team. Rodgers was under so much more pressure and didn't nearly do as a badly as Martinez. Get him out and give Eddie Howe the job.

The sad thing is that we could, and should win the FA Cup this season. But if we win it, I will not celebrate completely wholeheartedly, because I know it will keep Martinez in the job for longer. That is probably wrong, but it is what I feel, as much as I would love us to finally bring a trophy back.

Craig Bellew
61 Posted 04/04/2016 at 12:35:21
Phil #41 - Your post is spot on, sadly it only highlights what most of us have known for a while now even before BK's "what a manager" shout.

BK wont want to add another error to his list of errors/failings and will stick with RM til at least Crimbo next season and that's being optimistic as I can see him getting another full season before any heads begin to roll.

Phil #46 was also spot on in saying the only way to get rid of this fraud is to demo at the ground as until there is visual dissatisfaction via banners for instance and lots of them nobody will pay attention as the media seem quite happy at present to watch our demise from a back row seat. Without the assistance of the media asking more and more questions of RM Bill will sit tight and ride it out as he always has done.

Something needs to happen or set up to be carried out and soon otherwise we can only look forward to more of RM's ramblings whilst also watching what talent we have leave through the back door.

Gordon Crawford
62 Posted 04/04/2016 at 12:46:59
Time to get the Roberto must go banners out. Send up a plane etc.
I truly despair at the state of our club. Bill knows what he was doing, when he made that comment about Roberto. Moshiri needs to act now.
Joe Clitherow
63 Posted 04/04/2016 at 12:55:55
John K 38

Apology accepted completely mate, as I said exactly that at the time along with signing off "Sin Defendo". It gives me absolutely no pleasure whatsoever to be proven right. The real kick in the nuts for me is whatever else you think of him OFM had put together a tight unit who had good team spirit, good tactics and would run through walls for each other. It was an edge that more than made up at the time for the lack of spending power. It was a great platform to move on with especially with the funds opened up. Gone for good.

This clown has dismantled that so much that we are way behind the rest in these aspects at exactly the worst time possible since the financial playing field has levelled a lot with the new TV deal.

Phil 41 I tend to agree with you so far as BK's intentions are concerned. I do wonder whether his drive is just to see one last glory day for Everton if the health rumours are sadly correct. But I have to say I lost lots of respect for him with "what a manager"; it was shameful and cringeworthy and just really really ill-judged.

Where I disagree with you though is that in reality, Moshiri will be his own man, irrespective of any handshakes or gentleman's agreement with Bill. The second he feels his investment in a supposedly upwardly mobile club is threatened, Senor Martinez will be figuratively sleeping with the fishes and there will not be a thing Bill will be able to do about it.

And quite right too.

Andrew Clare
64 Posted 04/04/2016 at 12:57:56
Phil and Colin, I share your sentiments completely.

I would like to add that while Kenwright is at the club we will not progress.

James Marshall
65 Posted 04/04/2016 at 13:06:34
He says here that we were rubbish against Arsenal, but I just read his Echo interview where he says we were good against Arsenal.

He's a man on the edge.

James Marshall
66 Posted 04/04/2016 at 13:11:27
It also strikes me that he talks about individuals with a good mentality, but never the team as a whole.

Love him or loathe him, managers like Maureen create an 'us against them' mentality deliberately. Making enemies of other teams, managers, the press, everyone, which riles up supporters but I've always seen it as a deliberate ploy to create an atmosphere among players an supporters that means you work hard, and don't take any shit from anyone – it's a brilliant motivational tactic, one that RM simply has no understanding of.

You can motivate individuals as much as you like, but it won't do shit when the crunch comes and your team falls apart at the seams because you failed to created a 'team'.

We're a talented team/squad as he keeps saying, but until he does the above we're going nowhere.

Derek Thomas
67 Posted 04/04/2016 at 13:13:12
What will it take? Well in simple terms it will only take 0.1% of the 35,000 shares to give Mr Moshiri total control. So anything over 36 shares takes him over the 50% mark. 36 people with 1 share each??? any offers for an alliance.

Easy for me with no shares, I know, but desperate times etc.

James Flynn
68 Posted 04/04/2016 at 13:16:26
If Moshiri wants to get in a new manager the end of the season, he will.

If he wants Roberto to get one more season's go, he'll give it.

What I have trouble believing is that Mr 49.9% is taking orders from Mr 13.7%.

Joe Clitherow
69 Posted 04/04/2016 at 13:20:31
Derek I have a few..... :-)
Patrick Murphy
70 Posted 04/04/2016 at 13:22:23
I really can't understand what the club have to gain by keeping Mr Martinez in his position for another day, never mind another six to twelve months. We might win the FA Cup if he stays, but we might do that without him too, the players might react badly to uncertainty and speculation of who the new boss may be, well they couldn't perform very much worse than they have done for most of this year.

Removing Mr Martinez may prove to be the catalyst that the team and fans need to re-unite them and may prove fruitful if they are 100% together for the remainder of the season. Carrying on as we are drifting from one bad performance to another, unable to honestly believe that our team is going to win another game is painful and annoying in equal measure.

We don't have to appoint the next manager immediately, get a caretaker in or promote someone for the last knockings of the season, somebody who will instil some belief in the team and most of all someone who will get the players to play in a system that suits them.

It has been done before at other clubs and brought success, admittedly not this late in the season, but the club should seriously consider doing something now and not wait until the anger of the Goodison crowd is on show for all to see – for once in your life Mr Kenwright be pro-active and do something to ease the fans pain.

Tony J Williams
71 Posted 04/04/2016 at 13:27:08
David 29

I am waiting for the Ross who actually has a shot on goal to return.

Late on yesterday, gets the ball in a perfect position to have a dig.... oh now, the thick twat knocks it to his left and ends up passing it to the wing.

This has been his MO all season. He used to have a dig with either foot from all over the field. Why doesn't he shoot any more?

Has Bobby told him to look for the pass (to our static forward players) instead?

Lazy, unfit, scared to tackle, won't track back and now scared to shoot. It's not a good combination for our "diamond".

Kieran Carr
72 Posted 04/04/2016 at 13:34:44
My worry is regardless of the Cup, we have such a bad start next season that when he does go it will be to late to stay up.
Phil Walling
73 Posted 04/04/2016 at 13:46:42
I still believe we shall finish the season with c 50 points. That alone will be enough to convince BK that the guy deserves another season.

What Moshiri thinks is anybody's guess but I suspect at this stage he will go along with the flow. And it won't be the drain of our hope he will be concerned with.

Not yet.

Dave Abrahams
74 Posted 04/04/2016 at 13:50:38
Phil, I imagine you would get very good odds on Everton winning at least four more matches this season, league matches that is... You're a betting man, what odds do reckon you would get for that?
Anthony Lewis
76 Posted 04/04/2016 at 14:02:07
The second game in a row were I just couldn't be arsed watching. I checked the score at 10 mins to go and wasn't surprised to see us losing, and I never even looked to see what the final score was until this morning.

Frankly, I've just had enough. And I've had more than enough of seeing Leicester top of the fucking league. No disrespect to Leicester, made up for them and their supporters.

It just knocks me sick that we've been so insipid and shit and we could've been so much more, so much better, so much closer to (I can't even say it) Leicester.

I hate comparing Moyes, but at least under him we knew we weren't doing fuck all. We knew were 2 or 3 top quality players short of being a decent. And we hoped we might just get a European spot or possibly a cup run.

I've actually never felt so indifferent to my beloved team. I blame only one person for this indifference, because I don't want to be indifferent. (How many 'indifference's can I fit into one paragraph?)

I'm glad he appears to have lost the players, one more nail to hammer in the coffin for me.

Phil Walling
77 Posted 04/04/2016 at 14:15:20
Dave, I think we shall beat three of Watford (13/10), Crystal Palace (11/8), Bournemouth (1/1), Sunderland (4/6)and Norwich (4/6) as well as picking up the odd draw or two along the along the way. I have requested odds on various roll ups.
Will Firstbrook
78 Posted 04/04/2016 at 14:39:16
Sadly, as long as BK has a say in club matters (which appears to be the case for the foreseeable future) Martinez's job is quite safe. The man loves a dreamer and a storyteller and in Martinez, has found the perfect muse.

There were worrying indications during Mr Moshiri's official introduction that the existing guard would continue to manage club operations. I said at that time I was cautiously optimistic that Mr Moshiri's arrival would eventually help bring positive change to the club. I am still optimistic that it will, however, such change will be stymied as long as those who hired Martinez are permitted to exert influence over team matters.

While it may be true that BK and his lots' days are numbered, I get the impression it is not in line with the timeframe for which many fans hope. Many things could happen to change that, of course, but I don't believe that impetus for change will be originating from within the ivory towers of Everton FC.

Michael Forshaw
79 Posted 04/04/2016 at 15:08:06
I am at work and not very busy so I have started a petition to parliament for the removal of Roberto Martinez. I am by no means expecting the government to step in and remove Bobby but if it gets some traction with local papers etc then it might encourage a conversation between Moshiri and Kenwright.

Anyway here's hoping. So if you copy the link into your browser and sign it I would appreciate it greatly. Assuming you agree that Martinez needs to go.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/126537/sponsors/12DuyieTnt4MLRX5B98m

Barry Pearce
80 Posted 04/04/2016 at 15:56:24
No way Moyes. That ship has long sailed.
Mark Boulle
81 Posted 04/04/2016 at 16:02:36
I'm not a regular match-going fan (distance, cost etc), so perhaps it's not my place to say this, but if the current of anti-Martinez feeling among the wider fan-base is as strong as it seems, then surely there need to be banners, protests etc to force the hand(s) of Kenwright and perhaps Moshiri if he has any say.

Do those who go to the game have the wherewithal and determination to get Martinez out, as I am now firmly convinced needs to happen asap? We're not a 'big' enough club, so the media won't ramp up sufficient pressure to do our work for us as they did at Chelsea, Liverpool – albeit the RS fans also took it upon themselves to protest about Rodgers until he was sacked – and will shortly succeed in doing at Man United (no way LVG will be there next season).

The bottom line is, if Everton fans want Martinez out, they're going to have to make their feelings clear with banners and protests at the game. Kenwright will not sack him and he's still the one calling the shots by the looks of things. Sadly, venting spleens on fan forums isn't going to make a blind bit of difference. I know we don't like direct action and have looked down upon it in the past, but the unfortunate truth is, it does work...

Joe Clitherow
82 Posted 04/04/2016 at 16:26:01
Mark (#81

As a match going fan, I think the issue is currently one of apathy in general. Contrary to what you might read on here from armchair fans who clearly haven't been within 100 miles of the ground but still pronounce without any sense of irony how the hostile fans are really to blame for the poor form, there isn't any of that. For my part, I get so bored with the "free scoring, free flowing football we are privileged to watch" (you really have to laugh) that it is actually quite difficult to summon up any passion at all. That's what Martinez has brought us – football without any passion. It is dire.

Anyway, I think it is a combination of apathy at the style of play, coupled with the knowledge that Bill is not doing anything *at all* to put justifiable pressure on Martinez, plus the fact that our expectations as a club have plummeted over the last two decades that means – for the moment at least – Martinez and his crew are getting quite an easy ride at the ground itself.

As I have posted before though, I think (I hope) it is only a matter of time before the worm turns and the ground turns hostile towards the shite he serves up regularly.

Denis Richardson
83 Posted 04/04/2016 at 16:45:49
Ah..right, the old 'we played well but didn't get the rub of the green' chestnut. Hmm, see this would be okay if we didn't hear this same excuse every other week! There's only so much 'bad luck' that can be had before it starts to smack of... bollocks!

I particularly like this nugget 'I think we're still getting through a period that is very important for us.' Would this important period be the last 12, last 10 or last 8 games of the season?

Most of us fans have another term for the 'period that is very important for us' – it's called the fucking football season – and it has 38 games!

38 points from 30 games - Champions League? You're having a fucking laugh!

Denis Richardson
84 Posted 04/04/2016 at 17:03:39
Just read some of the posts and I have to say if Moyes is appointed manager again I may well stop following Everton all together and follow my local non league side.

I want Martinez out but there is no way I want Moyes back either. Looking back over the last 14 years of Moyes and Martinez (14 years!), easily more than half the games served up have been a complete waste of time to watch. If we're going to go back to Moyes again, I'd rather give my money to honest pros rather than pampered pre-madonnas.

BK would indeed be a brave man to front up to a press conference introducing Moyes's return.

William Cartwright
85 Posted 04/04/2016 at 17:11:57
I've just read Leighton's comments in the Echo tonight about the lack of synergy within the group...

Well that's his career, or what remains of it, down the pan. You don't mess with Roberto, unless it's is on the pitch!

Les Martin
87 Posted 04/04/2016 at 17:14:11
The one man – and there is only one man – I would have as interim is Joe Royle.

He would win us the FA Cup and certainly get us tight at the back. He also knows a bit about scoring goals!
Don Alexander
88 Posted 04/04/2016 at 17:15:37
Anthony Lewis at #76, that was truly a phenomenal number of "indifferents". What an incredible moment you must have been in! Many of us feel that way too pal. Sadly.
Duncan McDine
89 Posted 04/04/2016 at 17:18:28
Joe (#82), that sums it up for me. I'm one of the 'lucky ones' this season in that I go to an awful lot more away games than home games (living in the West Country), but apathy is the word to sum up my feelings and most other match-going fans I think. In the 20 years that I've been going to games, this is by far the least passionate I've ever felt about watching Everton.
Ken Williams
90 Posted 04/04/2016 at 17:31:00
Every day I check NewsNow in the hope Martinez has left the club. Any other team with hopes of moving forward would of sacked a manager with Martinez's record, the lot across the park would deffo be protesting...
Jim Bailey
91 Posted 04/04/2016 at 17:37:08
Baines "we have no chemistry, we are not where we should be"
Stones "we looked strong defensively", wait for it, "until the goal crept in at the far corner"

Leighton, the league table doesn't lie and John, well! What a wonderful parallel universe us blues inhabit, and it won't get any better until Ork, I mean Martinez is removed.

Over to you, BK, if you love this club as much as you say, and I have no reason to doubt you, please prove it to us long suffering fans and do the right thing.

Geoff Evans
92 Posted 04/04/2016 at 17:58:45
Could I please now ask for my name to be removed from Everton Web as I have lost all passion for this club. Even I, after supporting the club since 1958, have to finally admit, have settled for at the very best. Mediocrity.

I hope I am mistaken and wish all true Evertonians what they deserve, a lot better than this, you're the best!

Tom Edwards
94 Posted 04/04/2016 at 19:24:49
Lot's of people remarking on how LVG keeps getting stick from the media and Martinez doesn't. Perhaps it's time to realise that the media do not regard us as a big club. We are ranked alongside Norwich, West Brom, Watford etc, in their eyes.

I live in Yorkshire and many people I speak to over here always refer to us a 'a good, solid little mid-table club'. Lots of the younger lads don't even know that we have won 9 titles! Believe it or not, there are even people who don't know we are from Liverpool.

The Sky era was our main undoing, but it has not been helped by the crap running of our great club and is certainly not being helped by the clown prince of Spain. He should have been shipped out months ago. I am shit scared that under his continued guidance, we are the next Aston Villa.

Ged Simpson
95 Posted 04/04/2016 at 19:29:06
The league table has lied for years. Fergie time. Clattenberg. Refs giving pens and decisions to rich clubs. Bad luck. Injuries.
Paul Tran
96 Posted 04/04/2016 at 21:04:25
I wanted Moyes out and the reasons are more valid now than they were then. I'm not apologising.

He did a great job without looking like he was going to take us further. If we want to go further I can't see any evidence that supports him doing it for us.

Martinez is failing badly (by the way, Sutton is giving him fabulously accurate stick on 5Live), but why does that suddenly make a man who nothing with us and the sack from his last two jobs the right one.

He's history. There are many managers with a track record that leaves his standing. I hope our management are looking at them right now. I'm with Phil Walling. For the second summer running, I'll be lumping on Martinez being the first sacked manager.

Andy Meighan
97 Posted 04/04/2016 at 21:25:45
The reason Van Gaal is getting loads of stick is simple: they are one of the world's biggest clubs who are massively underachieving having spent squillions. Martinez doesn't even enter the radar mainly because, like it or not, we aren't a big club anymore.

21 years without a trophy and very rarely trouble the top 4. And let's not forget how many times we've failed to win at the media darlings' homes and that tells you everything about Everton and its recent history. Yes, we've had our moments; most clubs have. Even Bradford got to a Cup Final a couple of seasons back and yet we are meant to be eternally grateful for one FA Cup final appearance in 2009.

We've got a board who are just happy to tread water in the cash-laden Premier League, a ground that quite frankly is a toilet and a mad professor of a chairman who spouts the biggest load of garbage about football I've ever heard. While he is looming in the corridors of Goodison nothing – and I mean nothing – will change. Sad times indeed...
Jackie Barry
98 Posted 04/04/2016 at 21:54:05
Why the bloody hell do people want Moyes back, have some respect and aim higher, please!
Steve Davies
99 Posted 04/04/2016 at 22:02:43
Andy (#97), I agree with you and you didn't even refer to our phenomenal manager. Put another flag up Bill. You and Senor Martinez deserve each other, spoof merchants......

I would not have Moyes back. The way he treated us was despicable towards the end. We should have told him to clear his desk out and put in an interim manager. There are loads of better managers out there. Koeman, Hiddink etc. Let's move on.

I would sack Martinez tomorrow and put Big Joe or Sheedy in charge until the end of the season. It does send out a message that we will not put up with this rubbish.

I also agree with fellow Blues on this site. Evertonians are on the whole a patient bunch but the time for banners and protest is nearing.

Colin Powell
100 Posted 04/04/2016 at 22:53:50

Chris Sutton says it how it is.

I couldn't get excited even when we hit the bar. Martinez was quizzed on our poor league position, but responded in true politician style by referring to two cup semi-finals.

Michael O'Brien
101 Posted 05/04/2016 at 03:30:42
Please Martinez just leave.
Loko Sanchez
103 Posted 05/04/2016 at 14:30:20
The difference is 6 points, 3 at Goodison, 3 at Old Trafford. What a load of crap.
Craig Walker
104 Posted 05/04/2016 at 15:17:52
Are there any Everton fans in a good moment? I'm not in a good moment.

Martinez's after-match interviews remind me of this actual quote from Kevin Keegan:-

"I know what is around the corner – I just don't know where the corner is. But the onus is on us to perform and we must control the bandwagon."

Paul Conway
106 Posted 05/04/2016 at 16:57:07
I think (maybe I am wrong), what Martinez meant by saying 'the booing in the dressing was even louder,' he was probably referring to the fact that he himself was booing our players, as in getting stuck into them, or criticising them. I can't for the life of me believe that players actually booed each other.

Due to the fact that English is not Martinez's first language (although he does a good enough job bullshitting in English), he can sometimes change the context without trying. It can happen often to people talking another language. Like Martinez, all I know is that I know nothing (Socrates).

Geoff Carroll
107 Posted 05/04/2016 at 18:36:07
Just seen the Chris Sutton piece. At last I think the media are just starting to see through the nonsense Martinez spouts (Ian Wright after Arse game as well). Clearly the board are not listening to us so maybe this is the better route to bring pressure to bear??
Paul Kelly
108 Posted 06/04/2016 at 12:26:04
Just go, it's more than embarrassing,
Baz Daly
109 Posted 06/04/2016 at 13:01:36
Martinez has been on the run since Moshiri took over... he knows what's coming...
Baz Daly
110 Posted 06/04/2016 at 13:21:39
Chris #55

He's also 7/2 for Villa and 1/3 for Celtic...

Jamie Sweet
112 Posted 07/04/2016 at 00:24:16
I appreciate that Roberto has lost most of you... but no matter how bad he is, bringing back Moyes will never be anything other than an absolutely terrible idea.

Just awful.

Stop it!


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