Fellaini: I'll stay if Everton finish fourth

, 21 November, 116comments  |  Jump to most recent
Belgian star wants Champions League football
As speculation over his future persists, Marouane Fellaini has spelled out his desire for Champions League football by saying that he would be happy to stay at Goodison Park if Everton finish fourth this season, something he believes the team is capable of.

With comments he made to the media in Belgium in September, combined with those attributed to his equally ambitious father over the years, the midfielder's desire to play in Europe's elite competition has been no secret to Evertonians.

In his latest interview with The Mirror, however, he clarifies that far from seeking the exit door at the earliest opportunity, he would be happy to stay with the Blues if they were to qualify for the Champions League this season.

"I want to play in the Champions League, and if Everton finish in the top four then I'm happy to stay here," he says. "I'd love to do that with Everton.

"I want to improve as a player, and I want to give everything for Everton. They brought me here from Standard Liege and gave me my chance to play in the Premier League, and I always want to repay them for that.

"I had two big injuries and they stuck by me and I worked very hard to come back from them. I feel good now in terms of my fitness, and I want to go to the next level, in the Champions League."

The big-haired 24 year-old also believes that David Moyes's team has quality, is playing well and has what it takes to claim that coveted fourth spot in the Premier League come May, although he points out that a couple of key additions in January may be needed.

"We've got some very good players here, but if we can bring in one or two more in January then it will be a big, big help," he continues.

"There is a lot of quality in the team, and a lot of ambition, and I hope Everton will finish in the top four."

Moyes has been careful to play down hopes of buying fresh blood when the transfer window opens, but there may be scope to wheel and deal in the loan market.

On a personal level, Fellaini is keen to make a mark on football for more than his famous hair-do, something he is well on the way to doing with his imperious form so far this season.

"I know I have my special look with my big hair, but I play football, and being good enough to play in the Champions League is what I want to be known for."

Whether that happens with the Blues, though, remains to be seen. Fellaini himself will, of course, have a big say in whether that happens or not and he acknowledges that with games to come against Manchester City, Tottenham in Chelsea in December, the players will have to be more clinical and efficient than they have been in recent weeks.

"This is a big month for us, we'll know a lot more about how well we can do this season afterwards," he explained.

"We are playing the big teams, and we will see a lot more about where we stand after we play them. We have a lot of points up for grabs and it can make a big difference.

"But we think we are good enough. We have the quality, and we have to score more goals to take the points we deserve.

"Against Reading in our last game we created the chances to have won easily, and we have to take those now."

Quotes or other material sourced from The Mirror



Reader Comments (116)

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Ciarán McGlone
1 Posted 22/11/2012 at 00:04:30
He's not the messiah... he's a very naughty boy

So the new yardstick for greatness is about 8 consistent games of decent football, mostly against teams in the bottom half of the table.

Jamie Crowley
2 Posted 22/11/2012 at 00:17:19
The kid's absolute quality and our best player without question.

I don't begrudge him a thing if we don't finish 4th and he moves on.

Carl Sanderson
3 Posted 22/11/2012 at 00:19:06
Ciaran:

No, not at all. He is an excellent player who deserves to play at the highest level. Once it clicks up front, we will score the goals we need to give him the chance to fulfil his ambitions. If, by malign fate, that doesn't happen, then we'll rake in a fortune that Moyes can use to strengthen the squad.

Ben Jones
4 Posted 22/11/2012 at 00:25:30
For god's sake Ciaran, and he played rubbish for the rest of his Everton career?

Give me a break!

Ciarán McGlone
5 Posted 22/11/2012 at 00:31:41
Ben,

Not sure if you forgotten the rest of his Everton career in all the hype... but he's been very inconsistent.

Jamie Levitt
6 Posted 22/11/2012 at 00:23:22
While it may seem somewhat dramatic, I think we'll have a very good idea come the end of this month where we stand in terms of 4th spot.

It's fair to say we've been unlucky recently but confidence is a very fragile thing, especially for us when we consider our recent inexperience at contending at this level over a full season. This is quite possibly the best chance we'll have in a while of finishing top 4 as the core of our team is quite old now. If this statement is to be seen as a confirmation that Fellaini will see out the whole season with us, it's pretty essential we do some shrewd business in January.

A midfield with Neville in it is not good enough for top 4. The Hammer was good business but as a covering player, he shouldn't be starting in that team with everyone fit. The fact is, Osman is the wrong side of 30 and Pienaar isn't getting any younger; we need to start bringing more youth into the side and mix up our play more.

We have come to rely too heavily on Fellaini, who, whilst undoubtedly a great player, was never who we built our team around. The main cause of the poor goals we're conceding comes from our losing the ball in midfield and not having anyone to plug that gap. I'm not saying Fellaini should go back into centre midfield, but we are undoubtedly lacking physical presence there. (Vadis or N'Zonzi would've been decent options.)

Adam Fenlon
7 Posted 22/11/2012 at 00:51:54
Fella - if Everton finish fourth you can stay.
Ben Jones
8 Posted 22/11/2012 at 01:16:26
Ciaran,

Yeah I'm not denying he hasn't been, but your point is mind numbingly low for the hell of it, and at least get your facts straight.

He's been playing really well for a year now, not 8 games, and even before then, he's had some great performances, albeit some really crap ones too.

He deserves this hype.

Spragg Johnson
9 Posted 22/11/2012 at 01:36:10
Sounds like a reasonable agreement ... he's good enough for the Champions League. Moyes and Kenwright probably have an Arteta-like agreement with him. If he leaves we'll get about £30 mill ... so a win-win situation.
Jack Johnson
10 Posted 22/11/2012 at 03:45:12
If Everton finish 4th, then I'll show my arse on the Town Hall steps.
Anto Byrne
11 Posted 22/11/2012 at 04:18:09
That's his job — to get us in the CL and win the FA Cup, if he don't deliver he can go elsewhere. Good player but no one is bigger than the club. He goes, someone else will replace him; life goes on, it's only football.
Mike Green
12 Posted 22/11/2012 at 06:15:53
Spot on Ben Jones.

And he's only just 25 (his birthday's today by looks of it) so should be coming into his peak, which is exactly what he seems to be doing. Credit to Moyes for spotting his talent, taking the risk and paying a club record transfer fee for a 21-year-old ugly duckling. I'm glad to say I've always liked him, it looks like Ciaran still doesn't, there's no pleasing some people.... ; )

Phil Sammon
13 Posted 22/11/2012 at 06:19:01
Felli is a top class player and I don't think anyone would begrudge him leaving if we didn't finish 4th. I just wish he'd shut his mouth and play football.
Steve Guy
14 Posted 22/11/2012 at 06:47:45
Personally I am sick of hearing about his personal ambitions. Just do what you are paid to do and shut up.
Paul Ellam
15 Posted 22/11/2012 at 06:54:20
Looks like he is going then as I cannot see us finishing 4th. We may do top 6 but if that isn't enough for the lad then he will have to go elsewhere and we will have the cash from his sale.
I would love him to stay but as other posters have said, somebody else will take his place and life will go on.

Up the Toffees!!
Sam Hoare
16 Posted 22/11/2012 at 07:47:25
Hmmm. We've begun to look disturbingly reliant on him and I believe he has either assisted or scored something like 6 out of our last 7 goals. Hopefully this weekend will show that we are still a strong team without him though I worry that a lot of our recent upsurge relies on his dual ability to take long balls and hold them up but also play well on the deck, something which makes us much less predictable than we used to be.

Matt Traynor
17 Posted 22/11/2012 at 08:03:02
We could finish fourth and still be out of the CL (by failing to get through the qualifying round) by the end of August, ie, the transfer window.
Pat Waine
18 Posted 22/11/2012 at 08:07:06
He should shut up and get on to do the job he is well paid to do. Everton have been very good to the long fellow.
Ciarán McGlone
19 Posted 22/11/2012 at 08:12:07
Ben,

I hate to sound like Mason, but your 'fact' isn't a fact in the fuckin slightest. He had a decent run of games two thirds through last season, but was nowhere near the quality he's shown this year.

For the rest of the season he was up and down like the proverbial knickers.

Remind me how many top teams were beating down our door over the summer?

Ciarán McGlone
20 Posted 22/11/2012 at 08:15:45
Mike,

You guess wrong. Anyone who hasn't been impressed by him this year would be being churlish. However it seems to have gone to his head, without actually doing it consistently.

I also think the fact that he's obviously better in the forward position would make him difficult to fit into a top team.

Henrik Lyngsie
21 Posted 22/11/2012 at 08:16:11
I really love Felli... such a good player for us and such a character. He is so good in his current role behind Jelavic and he is perfect for our style of game.

But I don't think I can see him really suit the real big clubs' style. I can't see neither Chelsea or Man City use him in his current position. Arsenal have not made a cross or a long ball to be chested down for three seasons. Maybe Man Utd could use him in his current position but I doubt it.

Then as a holding midfielder, a new Vieira. I am not sure he is good enough defensively for that. Maybe he could improve on that. But I don't see any of the big clubs buying him for that role.

So if he is smart, he stays with Everton but since football has gone mad I am sure we will get a silly offer we can't refuse. I would just be sad if he rots on the bench at Chelsea or Man City for the reasons mentioned above.

Sam Hoare
22 Posted 22/11/2012 at 08:35:10
I think Ciaran and Henrik make fair points. He is an unusual player in that he seems to be excelling in that forward position but am not sure you would exactly call him a playmaker, at least not in the David Silva/ Iniesta/Van Der Vaart sense. His game is obviously more physical and this may not appeal to some of the big team.

Perhaps his appeal may be as a box to box midfielder but still not sure who I can see paying £30m for him? Will maybe depend on how he does for the rest of the season, if he carries on as he has started then he will have suitors lined up for sure.
James Brand
23 Posted 22/11/2012 at 08:46:54
Ok I'm ready for the abuse: not to put a dampener on the whole finishing 4th thing, but I worry what would happen to our league form next year if we did make the CL group stages... we just don't have the squad to compete in both...

Assuming we pick up £20m for qualifying for the group stages, that doesn't buy you a lot if you're in the CL (even of Moyes was to see it)...

Just saying like...

Drew Shortis
24 Posted 22/11/2012 at 08:44:42
Fair enough. He is ambitious and we should be too. He has always been a good player, but recently he has stepped it up another level and deserves some of the hype.

To be fair a lot of top players will have the odd off day, so we shouldn't become over reliant on him, but by-and-large he has been excellent this year.

We have seen him develop loads since he first arrived when he was all elbows and bookings. I can't understand where the Fellaini haters are coming from! I hope he can help lead us to the Champions League. COYB!
Tony J Williams
25 Posted 22/11/2012 at 09:05:06
Fuck him! Very good player who has really started to shine this year, but we have heard this shit from him for about three years. Either he or his dad spouts the same thing every transfer window and no-one has even put in a cheeky offer for him, no-one.

Citteh don't need him, Chelsea's midfield is good enough without him, the only two clubs that would probably go for him are Arsenal and Man Utd. Arsenal will never offer enough for him and I don't know if Man Utd could afford a one off payment like that.

So abroad it is then... ta ra, Felli!

Trevor Lynes
26 Posted 22/11/2012 at 09:06:23
When a player reaches his age and he 'thinks' he is good enough to play for a top Champions League side, then that shows confidence and ambition. It's a shame that our board do not share his ambition!!

Rooney left for the same reasons and so did Arteta so I don't blame him at all. EVERY player worth his salt wants to win medals and trophies and our illustrious club are hopefully looking to provide the opportunity?

We must strengthen our squad anyway and that's just to survive. We have the smallest squad in the league and now have injuries to Neville, Mirallas, Anichebe, Hibbert and Gibson plus Felli's suspension for the Norwich game.

We have Neville and soon after Distin to replace because of their age. We also have a clutch of 30 years plus players who need decent cover eg; Osman and Hibbert. We do not seem to have youngsters good enough to replace them at the moment.

If we reach 4th place without adding players in January then it will be a miracle!

Steven Telford
27 Posted 22/11/2012 at 09:25:02
Fickle people are football players. It doesn’t make for easy listening, but take at face value. But it’s a very honest call to arms, and we should rise to the challenge.

Whether or not Jelavic can find form will be one of the key variables as to whether it’s possible.

Steve King
28 Posted 22/11/2012 at 09:36:26
Having grown up as Evertonians, I think we forget that most of our players have very little reason to be as loyal as we are to the club. Felli signed a new long-term contract not so long ago, I believe he did it not because he intends to stay for its duration, but because he didn't want to screw over the club that gave him his chance by leaving at a cut price (à la Pienaar).

That's about as much loyalty as I would expect from a foreigner who probably didn't know much about the club before he arrived. Put yourself in his shoes.... Imagine going and playing for Sevilla or Real Betis... after a few years of making a big name for yourself and being courted by the worlds biggest clubs, how much loyalty would you have??

Brian Harrison
29 Posted 22/11/2012 at 09:32:15
Funny that the two most talked about players this season have different outlooks to their careers. Suarez — probably the most exciting player in the Prem for me, yes he has a nasty streak that he needs to cut out — is quite happy to stay at his club who don't look like making the Champions League. Then Fellaini who, by his own admission Everton stuck by during two long injuries, is saying he is off if we don't get Champions League.

The other point is probably Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea and most top European clubs would bid for Suarez, but I am not sure that would be the case for Fellaini. I just wish he would stop talking about moving till the season's finished; then, if we don't get 4th, he can say he wants away. I am not sure how this kind of talk goes down with his teammates.

Ray Roche
30 Posted 22/11/2012 at 09:55:33
Jack Johnson @614

If there was ever a reason why we should finish 5th, that's it.

Liam Reilly
31 Posted 22/11/2012 at 09:58:16
I see nothing wrong with this. The Boy is ambitious and knows he is coveted by some CL sides. He's expressing a desire to play in that League as he reaches the peak of his powers. WTF is wrong with that?

He's telling BK that he'll stick around if Everton make it but the side could do with some additions in Jan. Not Rocket Science.

We didn't build on the last success and if we don't build on this team, we'll lose more than just Fellaini in the summer.

Ray Roche
32 Posted 22/11/2012 at 09:58:36
Brian Harrison @644:

Do you honestly believe that Rat Boy would stay at the RS if a big club really came in for him and doubled his pay packet and offered him CL football at, say, Real Madrid? That the badge/wrist kissing, sly, odious little shit would carry on at Anfield?

I think you need a reality check, pal.

Pat Waine
33 Posted 22/11/2012 at 10:05:43
Felli can look ordinary on occasions and on others be unplayable. Everton have been good for him and getting to the Champions League is up to him and the team. if he scores 20 this season, I would say we will be in the Champions League.
Tony J Williams
34 Posted 22/11/2012 at 10:22:07
"The Boy is ambitious" - If he was truly ambitious, he would try and move heaven and earth to make Everton the best team in the world, not go to a side that already has all the accolades and top players and one that will definitely give him some silverware.

It should read, "I want more money and I wan't it made easier for me to win nice shiny things"....Ambition.....fuck off!

Steavey Buckley
35 Posted 22/11/2012 at 10:20:52
The opportunity to consolidate 4th position may have been lost due to midfield and defensive problems over the past 2 months against teams Everton should have beaten out of sight. But when Everton are 'shipping' in nearly 2 goals a game, the attack has to score 3 goals in order for Everton to win.

I do believe, also, that Tim Howard needs to dominate the penalty area more when it comes to crosses by the opposition, he needs to catch the ball more before leaving the likes of Coleman, who can't head the ball for 'toffees', to deal with them.
Richard Earle
36 Posted 22/11/2012 at 10:18:49
It makes me sick when players spout stuff like that. If you're not happy at Everton, fuck off abroad.

Give me a team full of Cahill-type characters any day. Players who are proud to wear the blue. He's been good this season but I agree he has been incredibly inconsistent over the years — especially in the big games that really matter.
Matt Traynor
37 Posted 22/11/2012 at 10:30:08
As Henrk and Ciaran suggest, I'd venture that we've built a team around Fellaini. Moyes did much the same with Cahill - whilst you couldn't say he built a team around him per se, his presence did dictate our style of play, call it KITAP1 or whatever. That's one of the reasons why when he was out and we struggled, people thought it was down to him.

Felli has improved a lot, but I think part of it is how Everton and Moyes have developed his game, and whether he'd get that at another club is debatable. What will be of interest is how Everton cope without Fellaini this weekend. Although he's played well, there have been games when he may as well have been absent, so I think we may struggle.

Kevin Tully
38 Posted 22/11/2012 at 10:27:48
Just wish he would keep his trap shut to be honest.

Do your talking on the pitch, you will look a right twat if no-one wants you at the end of the season!

Don't forget, this guy is reportedly on £75k a week, no club will pay much more in this league barring Man City, Chelsea & Man Utd. Add at least £20m we would want, and that is one expensive player.

Joe Bibb
40 Posted 22/11/2012 at 10:49:27
If he learns to tackle with his feet and not his arms, if he scores when he gets the chance instead of killing pigeons then maybe just maybe we might keep him but if someone with more money than sense, ie, Man City, Chelsea etc, let him move on he can join the likes of Rodwell and Lescott.

He hasn't played that many good games, never mind great games; he has filled in Cahill's role well but he hasn't scored as often as Tim. So maybe his Big Head is matched by his Big Hair.

Everton Football Club are bigger than any Star Name, we have survived in the past when Legends like Dixie, Lawton and Young moved on and Fellaini is nowhere near a Legend. If we do finish fourth then maybe we will attract someone who doesn't get booked every other game, who scores goals and assists.

No, Mr Fellaini, if Everton finish 4th we might just be looking to get rid of you not the other way around.
Barry Rathbone
41 Posted 22/11/2012 at 10:51:44
I appreciate his honesty at least we know the score and can plan accordingly.

Oh hang on!! the manager doesn't know whether he's coming or going so we can't "plan".

One step forward ...... etc.

Tony J Williams
42 Posted 22/11/2012 at 11:02:12
"Oh hang on!! the manager doesn't know whether he's coming or going so we can't "plan"." — How is Fellaini pretty much sending out his CV to anyone who is listening got anything to do with Moyes?
Barry Rathbone
43 Posted 22/11/2012 at 11:06:00
Because it's very likely we'll have some loot but not knowing who's going to spend it seems pretty fundamental to planning who we're going to buy.

Dalglish spends £100 million, Rodgers doesn't play them or sends them to West Ham.

It's a great idea if you like that sort of thing but I wouldn't call it a "plan".

Liam Reilly
44 Posted 22/11/2012 at 11:10:16
"If he was truly ambitious, he would try and move heaven and earth to make Everton the best team in the world"

Utter garbage. Messi and Ronaldo couldn't make us the best team in the world.

If your current employer isn't meeting your objectives and ambitions, you move on. Doesn't matter what walk of life you're in, unless of course you have Zero ambition.

Gary Joyce
45 Posted 22/11/2012 at 11:12:33
I'm afraid I'm completely in agreement with Ciaran. I've supported Everton for 42 years and many players (and legends) have come and gone in that time.

Fellaini, on his day, is a match winner. That alone makes him a valuable commodity. But he hasn't even been consistent this season. As good as he has been in some games, he has still had a few anonymous ones.

What Fellaini needs to do is sit down and have a chat with Steven Pienaar. How many players have left us during the Moyes era and gone on to be more successful at their new club? The last one I can think of is Rooney, and he was always going to succeed (although we'll never know how good he, and we, might have been if he'd stayed!).

Lescott may believe he has been because he won the title but would anyone think his reputation is as good now as it was when he was with us? Moyes gets the best out of each player and has found a way to get the best from Felli this season... but I believe, if he did leave for a Champions League regular, he'd soon be warming the bench for half the season.
Tony J Williams
46 Posted 22/11/2012 at 11:19:04
Ambition is wanting to do the best and be the best you possibly can, not slide into a side already winning trophies so you can get a nice shiny medal for less work. His only "ambition" is to get more money and for it to become easier to get medals.
Barry Rathbone
47 Posted 22/11/2012 at 11:24:52
Tony J,

Now that's a plan!

Sam Hoare
48 Posted 22/11/2012 at 11:26:59
Tony, 'Ambition is wanting to do the best and be the best you possibly can'

Isn't a player more likely to reach his peak and be the best he can with good players around him? Messi for example might not get quite so many good balls if he was playing for Stoke, mainly because they have possesion so much less than the likes of Barcelona.

Of course it doesn't always work out like that but not sure you can write off a player who wants to play with better players.

Liam Reilly
49 Posted 22/11/2012 at 11:31:45
But Tony,
If that is the case, then shouldn't every player in the lower divisions remain where they are and try and get their team into the Premier League, as opposed to transferring to a Premier League club, should an offer arise?

Doesn't add up buddy. I've moved several times in my career for finance, career growth and opportunities, but it doesn't mean that I'm trying to do it the easy way. It means I'm ambitious and my employers at the time weren't meeting my ambitions.

Amit Vithlani
50 Posted 22/11/2012 at 11:31:55
This Saturday will be interesting to see how we cope without him. If we win, he might pipe down a bit. If I recall, the previous occasion he came out with his ambitions to play in the CL was during the international break after we lost to West Brom. Seems to be a trend.
James Morgan
51 Posted 22/11/2012 at 11:17:10
Liam, if we had Messi and Ronaldo I actually reckon we would walk the league... but that's just fantasy!

As for Fellaini, the lad is class and I hope he spearheads our crack at top 4. If he does go though, I just hope it's to a proper top team with a bit of class like Bayern, Madrid or dare I say it Manchester United, not some two-bit classless shit-house operation like Chelsea.
Sam Hoare
52 Posted 22/11/2012 at 11:57:51
James, a tangent and a half here but I'm in need of distraction. If we did have Messi and Ronaldo how would we line up?

Howard
Coleman Jagielka Heitinga Baines
Mirallas Gibson Fellaini Ronaldo
Messi
Jelavic

Almost enough to get me back playing Football Manager!

Tony J Williams
53 Posted 22/11/2012 at 12:06:39
Liam, why did you move jobs? Was it perhaps to get more money or the chance to get more money?

He can hide behind the "ambition" line all he wants, he want's more zeros in his wage packet. Being in a team with better players, will make his job easier because there will be less pressure on him to be the "big shining star" of the team.

Doug Nestor
54 Posted 22/11/2012 at 12:05:28
All hail Fellaini.... Fuck him if he doesn't want to play for our great club ... do one!

He ain't bigger than us; we'll survive without him.
Matt Traynor
55 Posted 22/11/2012 at 12:19:54
Doug #673, I'll wager he's bigger than most of us...
Paul Andrews
56 Posted 22/11/2012 at 12:14:58
Can we please stop the talk of £30M+ fee. It won't happen.

Also, Mirallas will score more goals than Fellaini from the behind a forward position; when he settles in to the pace of the English game, I can see a prolific partnership with Jelavic.

Sell him, take the circa £20 million transfer fee and buy a wide right midfielder, a box-to-box midfielder, and a right back.
Steven Reddish
57 Posted 22/11/2012 at 12:30:33
Everton player in showing ambition shocker !!! Good on the lad, he thinks we are good enough, so now it's for the team to show it.
Brian Harrison
58 Posted 22/11/2012 at 12:26:57
Ray Roche 647

I think it is you who needs a reality check, Suarez has said he is happy to stay at Liverpool with no strings attached; Fellaini wants out if we don't get top 4.

Now maybe Suarez has his agent talking to all sorts of clubs, I don't know but he is at the moment happy to pledge his loyalty to Liverpool. So you may be right that if a Champions League club offers him a move he may leave, and I just wish Fellaini had adopted the same attitude.

Brent Stephens
59 Posted 22/11/2012 at 12:36:46
Matt, he's certainly bigger than my 5.4 (for the avoidance of doubt, that's my height in feet and inches — not another vital statistic in inches! I should be so lucky!).
Doug Nestor
60 Posted 22/11/2012 at 12:23:20
@ Matt... not me... maybe in height (just) and hair... but the rest I think I've got covered.

The thing is, if I was him, I'd just shut up and do what I was paid to do. It really pisses me off that players think 4th is successful; its not... win the league or FA cup — that's what I call successful. I can't see me or many others running down County Rd celebrating that we got 4th if it happens...
James Morgan
61 Posted 22/11/2012 at 12:37:40
Possibly, Sam.
Or same back 5 but:

Mirallas Fellaini Pienaar
Messi Jelavic Ronaldo

We would win 5 - 2 or 6 - 4 etc every week!

Now where's me corn flakes...

Liam Reilly
62 Posted 22/11/2012 at 12:59:02
Tony
"He can hide behind the "ambition" line all he wants, he wants more zeros in his wage packet. Being in a team with better players will make his job easier because there will be less pressure on him."

But doesn't that just stand in every walk of life? You move on for more money; you work with better colleagues and so the targets are higher and you're no longer the star.

He's no different to any of us, but he is saying that he respects the club, appreciates that it stuck with him through injuries, and has confirmed that he would stay if we match his ambitions.

I see nothing wrong with that and, with the January Window approaching, it's up to BK to gamble on this squad and the Manager.

Joseph Strumm
63 Posted 22/11/2012 at 12:55:31
Sounds like he's already decided to leave; there's no way we will finish 4th with this squad of players... we have too many flakes.

Fellaini may have been one of our best players recently but he just doesn't produce the goods consistently. The only English Champions League team I could see him fitting into would be Arsenal, neither of the Mancs or Chelsea would have him so where's he off to?

Anyone who thinks we will finish 4th is deluded and Fellaini knows it.
Ray Roche
64 Posted 22/11/2012 at 13:21:20
Brian Harrison @677;

Brian, you're correct, I need a reality check on many things, but not that! Suarez is about as trustworthy as a bloke who is very untrustworthy indeed. To my mind, he typifies the sort of little cretin who says whatever he thinks the fans want to hear.

Do you honestly believe everything he says? That he was honest and upright in the racist uproar that followed his spat with Evra? (another creep, but there you go...)

He is a cheating little shit and nothing will change my opinion of him. I've wiped better than him off the sole of my shoe following a stroll through a farmyard.

At least Fellaini has been honest, however unpalatable we find it.

Eric Myles
65 Posted 22/11/2012 at 12:46:40
When Heitinga said the same thing, wasn't he called a traitor and told to sling his hook?
Noel Lynam
66 Posted 22/11/2012 at 13:35:52
"Being in a team with better players will make his job easier because there will be less pressure on him to be the "big shining star" of the team."

Or being in a team with better players means he is under more pressure to perform more consistently, lest he be benched. Which is something which is not going to happen at Everton regardless of how consistently he plays well.

I wonder would people apply the same "He's a mercenary – that's not ambition!" thinking to anyone who has joined Everton from a smaller team, eg, Jagielka, Cahill, Johnson and of course Tim Howard in recent years.

Ray Roche
67 Posted 22/11/2012 at 13:44:05
No, Eric, that was Abu Hamza.

[Can you tell I'm bored...?]

Sam Jennings
68 Posted 22/11/2012 at 13:50:32
Fellaini is no world beater.

The Sunderland game summed him up really — he did fuck all for 75 mins apart from wave his arms around like a massive shithouse and then, out of nowhere, scored a class goal and made another with a sublime flick.

Until he starts consistently dominating games for more than five minute spells, à la versus Man Utd, then he is dispensable if the right offer comes in.

Lee Courtliff
69 Posted 22/11/2012 at 13:53:09
I never understand why people talk about loyalty in football... it doesn't exist. Except for very rare occasions.

Just accept that players will leave for more money and more trophies. And clubs will sell players they don't want anymore. Even if the player wants to stay. It is that simple.
Tom Bowers
70 Posted 22/11/2012 at 14:03:34
He has been terrific this season playing further forward, no arguments on that please! However, to make that statement public is so out of order.

All players have ambitions to play in the Champions League but to lay it on the line as a threat to leaving is nothing more than blackmail and invites the rich clubs to chomp at the bit in order to get him at the end of the season.

Sounds to me he has an immature personality or is being advised by his agent to stir the pot.
Tony J Williams
71 Posted 22/11/2012 at 14:08:00
Noel, I have no problem with a player moving to what he perceives as a bigger club for more money. I have an issue with people defending these players by saying they are being ambitious.

It's all about greed, more money and they hope more accolades or medals, fuck all to do with ambition.

Doug Nestor
72 Posted 22/11/2012 at 14:18:48
@Tony J:

Dead right — that's the way of the world today... greed and cheap publicity. Give me back the 80s any day...
Liam Reilly
73 Posted 22/11/2012 at 14:51:39
".....a player moving to what he perceives as a bigger club for more money."

How is that not ambition? Was Lescott not ambitious? Rooney? Was Tim Cahill not ambitious moving from Milwall to Everton? Baines from Wigan?

Taking a step up shows the individual believes in himself and shows ambition. If he's going to earn more money playing on a bigger stage than Everton can offer, then wtf is wrong with that?

Brent Stephens
74 Posted 22/11/2012 at 14:57:20
Tony, some people are ambitious for more money, others for more accolades, others for more medals, others for more challenges etc etc.
Dan McKie
75 Posted 22/11/2012 at 15:17:07
Brian Harrison (#644): Suarez seems happy to stay despite not looking like getting Champions League? Don't they all... but the fact is Suarez has already tripled his wages this season, and we will see how happy he remains if a big Champions League, title-chasing club, offering to double that salary again, comes in (like happened with Torres).

I wouldn't begrudge Fellaini his move if we don't finish 4th. When on his game, he looks a class apart, just as long as he doesn't disrupt things in January, I'm happy.

Also, if in any other job, a colleague or yourself left for a similar role but with better pay and conditions, everyone would pat you on the back and say, "Go for it". Why would/should it be any different for footballers?

Eugene Ruane
76 Posted 22/11/2012 at 15:29:43
I'm like Fellaini, if we don't finish 4th I'm off.

My dad reckons Chelsea Supporter's Club want me.

Mike Allison
77 Posted 22/11/2012 at 15:39:23
Also, if in any other job, a colleague or yourself left for a similar role but with better pay and conditions, everyone would pat you on the back and say, "Go for it." Why would/should it be any different for footballers?

For lots of reasons: football clubs are totally different to 'most companies'. This is a stupid point that has been rebutted over and over and over again put people still keep making it. It simply and obviously isn't the same. Do you have fans at your work? Do people who earn a tiny fraction of what you do invest emotionally in what you do? Does your performance affect the mood of tens of thousands of people every week? There's a lot more but it's so obvious and I haven't really got the time.

Tony J Williams
78 Posted 22/11/2012 at 15:43:21
"Was Lescott not ambitious? Rooney? Was Tim Cahill not ambitious moving from Milwall to Everton, Baines from Wigan?" — They all moved for more money and the better chance to win something. Lescott was on the bench until Toure failed the drug test and wouldn't have had a look in otherwise. Rooney, the 18-year-old went to the reigning Champions and more money, Cahill was given a large payrise and moved up a league etc etc.

I don't buy into this ambition malarkey at all, it's all greed. I have no problem with greed, I want more money than what I am on now, that's why I went to night college to get better qualifications. I don't consider myself ambitious because I want a better paid job, I just want a better paid job.

Kevin Gillen
79 Posted 22/11/2012 at 15:43:14
Thanks to good management, I see the whole thing as win-win. If a top club comes in, they know they are going to have to pay top dollar to get him.

Very few clubs have traded as well as we have in the past few years. Yes there have been mistakes like Krøldrup and Bilyaletdinov but overall we have bought low and sold high or sold our own homegrown talent, who are invariably worse off at other clubs (Rooney aside).

What I will say again is that, on the way we have played this season, we should be top now — nevermind 5th. Against Fulham and Swansea, we had a shot at goal every three minutes and against Reading we had a shot every four minutes.

Also it should be the ambition of every Everton player to play Champions League football, so no controversy there then.
Brendan McLaughlin
80 Posted 22/11/2012 at 15:41:33
Eugene (#701):

If Chelsea Supporters Club want you... then Roman will probably get them Andy Crooks!
Mike Rourke
81 Posted 22/11/2012 at 16:06:41
I thought this was a good news story... until I read the comments.

But then again I do think Fellaini is awesome and that we are 'NAILED ON' for 4th.

(Actually Chelsea's implosion and a certain rotund Iberian waiter has me casting greedy eyes at 3rd place...)

BTW, If we do sign Ronaldo and Messi in January, I'd line-up:

Howard
Neville, Jags, Heitinga, Baines
Mirallas, Fellaini Barkley, Pienaar
Messi
Ronaldo

Denis Richardson
82 Posted 22/11/2012 at 16:14:03
Goodbye in the summer then.....

Man City / Chelsea — £30M please.

Sam Hoare
83 Posted 22/11/2012 at 16:14:35
Tony J Williams, I think you're drawing a distinction that is very marginal if it even exists.

This was the first dictionary definition of ambition I came to:

an earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as power, honour, fame, or wealth, and the willingness to strive for its attainment.
Crucially, wealth is a legitimate part of it and as such I think it's fair to say that Fellaini is showing ambition though of course you're probably not wrong when you say he is also showing greed. The two are not necessarily mutually exclusive, in fact I should think they go hand in hand quite often.
Dan McKie
84 Posted 22/11/2012 at 16:15:59
Tony, ambition is when you want to work at the highest level of your chosen profession, and whilst it does usually come with more money, it isn't always the be-all and end-all. Greed on the other hand would be just doing anything for money regardless of what it is.

I don't know what your job is, but if McDonalds offered more money than you currently earn, for cleaning their toilets, would you do it? If so, then that is pure greed, but if you want a higher position in your current job, you could call that ambition.

I would say any of the players you mentioned could be classed as ambitious as not one of them dropped any level.
Dave Weston
85 Posted 22/11/2012 at 16:39:13
I would not believe anything that Suarez says after all he has got behind him; cheating and lying in the 2010 World Cup then quoting "The 'Hand Of God' now belongs to me. I did it so that my team-mates could win the penalty shoot-out. When I saw Gyan miss the penalty it was a great joy." — Luis Suarez, July 2010.

Then the biting ban and his diving and deliberate standing or stamping on Mirallas, Distin and again at the weekend against Wigan... Oh and his racism / hypocritical act when wearing the tee-shirt after being banned.

The only people who must be blind to his antics are Liverpool management and fans. He is a good liar and as far as I am concerned is one horrible little shit. I would not give him the steam off mine — never mind a contract.

Philip Quilliam
86 Posted 22/11/2012 at 17:04:23
Players will come and go all the time — along with chairman, board members, managers. For all sorts of reasons.

In all my time supporting Everton the only player I can remember being sold and kicking and screaming that he didn't want to go was Alan Ball. Lots have left near the end of their careers wishing they had longer (who doesn't wish they had longer in their prime?). The vast majority have left for their own reasons and good luck to them.

I still see the odd fan at Goodison that I stood next to in "our spec" in the Street End for years in the 60s and 70s. The ONLY people that can be relied on are the fans and expecting anything else is delusional.
Henrik Lyngsie
87 Posted 22/11/2012 at 17:44:08
Would be a good move to buy Ronaldo. Mirallas looks prone to injuries and Ronaldo would be a good back up.
Andy Crooks
88 Posted 22/11/2012 at 18:00:35
I really don't understand the tolerance Evertonians are showing over this. Say Fellaini gets injured or suspended; we finish 5th and he fucks off. How can anyone respect that? His attitude seems to be that if we don't get Champions League football, well, it's fuck all to do with him.

There is such a thing as loyalty to team-mates, decency and respect. Are footballers separate from humanity?

Andy Crooks
89 Posted 22/11/2012 at 18:08:46
There is no longer the excuse that it's a short career and they must make the best of it. We show them reverence and tolerance way beyond what they deserve (most of them).

Much of what Ciaran says is correct: Fellaini is, when on his game or interested, excellent. He is not great and seems to have an inflated self-worth. There aren't many who go from Everton to greatness. He definitely isn't one.

Brendan, I hope you aren't implying that in supporter terms Eugene is Guardiola and I am Benitez? I will sue.

Col Noon
90 Posted 22/11/2012 at 18:21:22
Feliani is playing the game and playing it well. He is giving the interested parties enough to go on with his comments. Then, to sound like he has enough of a team ethos about him and loves playing for the club, he spins out the old "Everton have stood by me I want to repay them".

He is not as daft as he looks and already has a nice pay packet due to his rise (top earner is he not?). He is a clever boy and obviously has an agent that is as equally as clever. He can't lose, and as long as he gives off the "I could be tempted vibe" to other clubs he has options. He has been fantastic this season, but when he can't be arsed, he is useless.

All I care about is that, whilst he is at our club, he produces the best football he can, helps us to crack the top four. If it doesn't pan out then thanks for everything and we cash in. I'm getting too old to be getting attached emotionally to players (especially foreign ones who didn't know who we were before they signed) and worrying about if their future lies with Everton.
Peter Thistle
91 Posted 22/11/2012 at 18:29:47
He's a bit up himself, isn't he? Okay, he's doing well but why does he have to keep going on about the Champions League? Stop angling for a move away and get on with it.

For what it's worth, I doubt we'll do better than top 6; we ain't consistent enough for 4th.
Ged Simpson
92 Posted 22/11/2012 at 18:45:51
Oh who fucking cares. He stays? He goes?

If he goes, we will get a great input of cash for more players. If he stays, we keep a good player.

The club goes on.

To me Moyes is worth more.

Ben Jones
93 Posted 22/11/2012 at 19:01:31
Ciaran, not sure I alluded to any of my points as a "fact"; you interpreted that.

At least you're not denying he wasn't as inconsistent earlier on in the year, and I also agree with you that he was very inconsistent earlier than the second half of last season, but he did have some great performances on top of that.

And seriously, how do you know no-one wanted Fellaini? Because the media didn't mention it? Oh they are always correct in their reports!

Alexander O'Brien
94 Posted 22/11/2012 at 19:05:00
Blimey, who cares!

If we finish 4th, he stays and we'll still have a damn good player on our books; if we don't, he'll go and we'll get £30million+ for him. He's been loyal and I haven't got a problem with him coming out with this statement.

Anyway, why can't we finish 4th? I'm sick of people that come on here with a negative attitude, saying we won't. Who Will? Arsenal? West Brom? Spurs? Certainly not Liverpool or Newcastle. Those 3 teams are more inconsistent than we are.
Ray Robinson
95 Posted 22/11/2012 at 19:20:45
When he's playing well, he's awesome. When he's off form, he is mediocre. I just wish he'd shut his gob and get on with the job of playing consistently well. I would like him to stay, of course but if he left, it wouldn't be the end of the world.

I think he exaggerates his own importance to the team and doubt whether he'd command a regular place at any of the big Champions League sides.

Still, I admire his self esteem.

Ian Bennett
96 Posted 22/11/2012 at 19:57:42
Fans make me laugh when they say compare their jobs to footballers. Footballers will move for a big pay rise, will play the clubs to squeeze a new contract etc. Fans don't. Fans can move jobs for a pay rise, but the majority stay loyal and earn less than they could get elsewhere.

You do get some players that stick around, but most just screw the riches of the game. Bosman was a terrible outcome.

Ciarán McGlone
97 Posted 22/11/2012 at 19:53:26
Ben,

When you tell me to get my facts straight, and then.... Ah nevermind.

Ifor Hughes
98 Posted 22/11/2012 at 21:01:55
Fellaini must have some good feelings for Everton... was he not the one who had a word with Kevin Mirallas about joining us?
Brian Waring
99 Posted 22/11/2012 at 21:51:14
I think he's a cheeky bastard. He's been here, what, 4 yrs? He had a good finish to the arse end of last season and to the start of this season, and that's it. Also, I find it funny that we have lads who say they wouldn't begrudge him a move because he is 'Ambitious' but Rooney and Pienaar were slated to death when they wanted to move on.
Mike Allison
100 Posted 22/11/2012 at 22:15:25
Fans are ridiculous when a story like this comes up. We get various versions of "Who does he think he is?" and "He's not even that good anyway!" which surely you don't really believe?! If anyone else (ie, non-Evertonian) said it to you, you'd be livid.

He's absolute quality, he's one of the most dangerous and talked about players in the Premier League right now, and that is the first time in my life that that has been true of an Everton player.

He's unplayable at times, and when we've cocked stuff up a bit, he's rescued points near-single handed. Don't pretend you don't see that just because of a couple of comments he made that suggest he's not as committed to Everton as you are.

Wait til he leaves, THEN slag him off royally, he won't be one of us then.

Paul Smith
101 Posted 22/11/2012 at 22:37:30
Bollocks to big wig. Great player, but not indispensable; take what we can for him and buy again. Moyes has proved what he can do with a player at Finch Farm.

The only thing that worries me is time is not on our side unless he (Moyes) signs a new contract. Unless he can buy the finished article as with Mirallas.

I wanted the Ginger One gone last year... Aye it's a fickle fan they make of me.
Andy Crooks
102 Posted 22/11/2012 at 22:59:01
Mike, I believe that Fellaini's inflated opinion of himself has a lot to do with the opening game of the season. He was awesome, absolutely no doubt, but he caught a weakened United back four cold and he has been good but not awesome since.

He is a fine player with, most of the time, an incredible work rate. But, Mike, he's not unplayable against teams who set out to make him very easily playable. A one trick pony with, let's be honest, a bloody good trick.

I don't like being even mildly negative about a good Everton player but the reverence for a player who will fuck off if we don't meet his standards is, frankly, sickening.

Steven Telford
103 Posted 22/11/2012 at 23:21:22
I agree with Ian. Indeed, Bosman opened a can of worms. 'Prune juice economics' as Alan Sugar pointed out. If not for the Bosman ruling, Everton and West Ham would probably have been two shining stars of English football.

'If you can't beat them, buy them' — that’s become the motto of modern football. It's really a pity.

Mancini is probably the worst for this, last season’s victory speech should have included a special thanks to Wenger for all his good work as a Man City scout.

To the very least, the rules need some type of tweak to better compensate the teams whose youth teams feed the game.

Jim Harrison
104 Posted 23/11/2012 at 03:48:52
The guy is first class at what he does for Everton. Take the ball down in forward areas and create/score goals. Can you imagine how effective he would be when receiving passes from top class players who could hit the ball to him virtually every time, and then having strikers like Van Persie or Agero there to pass to? With Jags punting it long and Jelavic needing it put on a plate he still does an excellent job.

The downside to his game for me is when he is played as a sitting defensive mid. He seems to me to get passed around, ends up chasing players around the pitch.

Question for me is, would any of the big teams want to change their system to accommodate him? Man Utd play Rooney there when fit at present; Man City have sooooo many options, but it would seem to me that Toure would have to limit his forward movement to allow Fellaini to play his most effective position. Is his passing good enough to fit into Arsenal's style of play? Chelsea... they usually play with one up too, maybe he could fit in there.

Jim Harrison
105 Posted 23/11/2012 at 04:11:25
Another aspect on this, if he goes for big money it will help the team overall. We need more players, the bank needs paying. The club doesn't generate enough income on its own to provide funds for this. Sooooooooo, as hard as it is to take, £30 million (a figure plucked from nowhere) would tick these boxes.

Now, assuming Moyes stays, and we don't make CL places, with let's say £15 million transfer pot (the other £15 million to pay the banks, probably paying off the initial transfer fee) what could he achieve? Signings like Mirallas, Arteta, and Pienaar – all 3 came to less than that.
Ian Hollingworth
106 Posted 23/11/2012 at 10:12:31
I gave up taking any notice of what players say a long time ago. However, on this occasion I am prepared to take this as a call to arms for the Chairman, Manager, players and us fans.

It starts with the board who HAVE to gamble in January to bring in the extra quality we need; the players have to believe and be more clinical... and we fans need to start raising the roof at Goodison. With a little bit of overdue luck thrown in, who knows where we will end up but at least we will have tried our best to achieve it, from board to fans! If, after that, players still leave to pursue the dream, then who cares? We have seen plenty come and go.

Although Davey boy has some blame to take here because didn't he say a few seasons ago that Arteta deserved a chance of Champions League? I thought then that would come back to haunt him. That aside let's all give it a damn good go! COYB
Derek Thomas
107 Posted 23/11/2012 at 10:21:35
Andy # 757 I think you're on the right track, for 2 yrs now his Dad has been bigging him up. He has, for some of the time himself, been backing that up. There have been more than a few windows for potential suitors to come a courting and none have made a move.

His reputation is now at it's peak... If they want him at all they will want him sooner rather than later.

He might be prepared to wait until June, just like Pienaar waited for the World Cup and the next window after that.

Whether there will be anything to wait for... that is the question.

Andy Meighan
108 Posted 23/11/2012 at 10:50:36
Great point by Brian (#644). As much as we hate Suarez, and believe me we do, you never hear these noises coming out of that hellhole.

IMO he's not that good 5 seasons on and we still don't know what his best position is. He's had a great season up to now. And been lauded by the media and rightly so. But I don't remember them raving about him in previous seasons.

Take the big money for him at the end of the season and move on. if Moyes were to see a sizeable chunk of that fee. I think we'd all trust him to bring a couple of quality players in. What I don't like is the thinly veiled threats from Fellaini saying, "If we don't finish 4th then I'm off." No player is bigger than the club.
Brendan McLaughlin
109 Posted 23/11/2012 at 11:04:54
Are we not a bit hypocritical? If we don't – or, more accurately – no longer rate a player, we've no problem screaming they shouldn't be anywhere near the team... "loyalty" doesn't come into it. So why do we expect a player's unconditional loyalty... when our loyalty is so very "conditional"?
Kevin Jones
110 Posted 23/11/2012 at 13:13:42
Gee fucking thanks Felli, if you could see yourself clear to humble us with your presence next season, we would be forever grateful Sire..... [Walks out backwards, doffing cap]

Cheeky fecker, who the clucking bell does he think he is, fucking Pele? Play the game, get your God knows how much a week, and shut the fuck up.

Good job us supporters don't do the same, isn't it, hey.

Mike Powell
111 Posted 23/11/2012 at 15:51:57
I don't get some people on here... Felli is by far our best player — without him, we would be about 12th now. I would love him to stay but I cannot see us finishing 4th if we cannot beat teams like Reading, Wigan, and QPR who are relagation fodder.

We will struggle without him so let's enjoy the big man while he is here, but he cannot get us to 4th on his own — he needs other players to put a few shifts in. Jelavic as been poor the last few games, so has Coleman; they need to step up or get dropped.
Tony J Williams
112 Posted 23/11/2012 at 16:19:33
But Mike, surely of he is so good, he would be able to take the game by the scruff of the neck and make us beat the shite teams like Reading, Wigan and QPR?

He is a great player, I don't disagree but I think he has been listening to his arl fella for too long.

Tony Cheek
113 Posted 23/11/2012 at 16:30:15
Sell him for £35 mill, then we can buy Andy Caroll....... Mohahahahhh!
Tony Draper
114 Posted 23/11/2012 at 23:46:24
I love the big feller, he's class. I think he's being misread by too many tho... especially the clown who wrote the headline for the original article in the Mirror.

Felli does NOT say......."Unless EFC finish in top 4 then I'm deffo offski!"

He DOES say that he wants us to finish in the top 4 cos he wants to play in the CL

GOOD Felli! — Cos I want us playing in Europe too!

TBH, I'd be bloody disappointed with him if he said, "So long as we avoid relegation, I'll be overjoyed!"

Eddy Bernard
115 Posted 24/11/2012 at 01:00:09
Sell him for 30mill an move on No one player is bigger than the club
Jim Knightley
116 Posted 24/11/2012 at 01:59:16
A fair enough quote...he is good enough for the Champions League, and understandably wishes to play in it. He doesn't owe us, and he was a big talent when we signed him. If he does go, it will be a shame, but we will get at least 25 million for him.

And Tony(assuming you're being serious)....trying to diminish a player's ability because he was in the team when we failed to beat QPR and Reading is an example of some very problematic logic... football is a team game isn't it?

On that note...RVP was in the team which failed to beat Norwich last week.. And he was in the Arsenal team last season which dropped points on several occasions to the league's lower positioned teams. Similarly, Bale was in the Spurs team (Although I think Bale is very one dimensional), which drew with Norwich at home, and lost to Wigan (Also at home), and Hazard and Mata played when Chelsea drew, like us, with QPR etc etc.

Interestingly though, I think this season, and most definitely last, illustrated that teams do drop points against the divisions bottom clubs. The reading result was hard to take given the first half performance, but, it happens to everyone, even United. Unlike a couple of Spurs' dire results at home to the bottom clubs this season as well (Especially Norwich), we illustrated we could create alot of chances, which bodes well for the entire season. Hopefully, we can keep Fellaini, and pocket 25million in Champions League qualification money.

Steve Sweeney
117 Posted 24/11/2012 at 17:39:26
Arsenal, Man City, Spurs, then Stoke and West Ham away. Cannot see many points from those fixtures if we carry on playing as we have in the last month.

If we slide down the league, Felli will be off in January. My guess is to United for £25M plus add-ons, and who would blame him?

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