Arrogance, belief and desire in final third

Michael Kenrick , 16 September, 0comments | Jump to most recent

Roberto Martinez knows how well Steven Naismith can play when he's himself, and has sympathy for the difficult time the Scot has had since he arrived at Goodison Park. The manager is looking for the same arrogance, belief and desire from him in the final third, that he saw when Naismith played for Rangers and Kilmarnock.

“I think Stevie has had it very hard since he arrived at the club. He hasn't really been himself.

“I saw Stevie play a lot for Kilmarnock and for Rangers but here I haven't seen the same arrogance or belief or desire from him in the final third. Everything has been safe, or forced. But the way he works for the team he deserves to be himself.

“I want him to forget about the past. I want him to enjoy his football and show his quality on the park. When he does that he is a very effective footballer. He couldn't have got a better birthday present than scoring the winner.”

And Naismith himself described his opportunistic strike: “At the start of the season, competition for places is tough. Unfortunately for Steven Pienaar, coming out of the team gave the opportunity to myself and I'm glad I've been able to score in the game.

“It was a case of gambling (for the goal), so that if the ball is there you are there too. Fortunately enough, Jela got a great header and I was there to put it in.

“It's been a drastic change from last season with the football we have played. It takes some getting used to but it's a wee monkey off our back and now we can push on and get some more wins.”

Quotes or other material sourced from Liverpool Daily Post

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