Martinez: Kyiv win can provide a turning point

, 13 March, 61comments  |  Jump to most recent

(Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Everton's manager believes that last night's win in the Europa League was a microcosm of the team's domestic season and that it provided an "understanding of what has been going wrong in the League."

The Blues recovered from a poor start and the concession of an early goal to fight back and beat Dynamo Kyiv 2-1 in the Round of 16 first leg at Goodison Park and Roberto Martinez admitted that the turnaround and the positive result could have big implications for the rest of the campaign.

"It's had a huge, huge impact [on the squad] because it was a great European night," he told the media at Finch Farm this afternoon. "I thought in 90 minutes we saw our season. In the first 20 mins we were a little bit fearful… we were very slow in our possession, we got a frustrated with it and we conceded from a loss of concentration.

"[Then] we changed completely. We relaxed, and took control of the game, we played with freedom. All of a sudden there was a desire to win the football game and we had an hour where I thought we were fantastic to watch.

"For me it was a turning point in the season in terms of understanding of what's been going wrong in this campaign, of why we haven't been able to develop that momentum in the league. It's [not necessarily anything] technically or tactically, it's more about a right mental approach and having a real enjoyment and desire to win a football game."

The 41 year-old was asked what he thought the inflection point was within the game and he pinpointed the increased tempo in his team's play and a succession of corners after the first quarter of the game as the period of the contest in which Everton's performance visibly changed.

“It wasn't just one action, it was a combination," Martinez continued. "All of a sudden our play was quicker and really positive and I think the players started to develop a really strong communication ... and that triggered a very strong finish to the first half. The second half allowed us to reset."

As for how Everton take this result and use it to try and reverse their poor run of results in the Premier League, Martinez explained that the similarities with the game against Dynamo to some of the Blues' league matches should stand them in good stead:

“The games in Europe have been a real freedom from the start. They've provided a very different mindset, a completely different way of playing than in the League. I think last night it was very much a contrast where for the first 20 minutes [we were] going back to that fearful position and carrying a lot of responsibility on our shoulders trying to meet expectations. So it was a change during the game; that hasn't happened before in Europe.

"What happened last night allowed us realise that that has been the problem this season. We don't want to look back in the league. It's an opportunity to look forward to the next 30 points that we have and there's an immense responsibility and immense desire to get give everything we've got and to get as many points as we can, starting on Sunday."

After last night's audible dissatisfaction with the players performance at the start of the match and the subsequent debate over the role of the home crowd as it relates to the team's display, the boss was asked how he goes about ensuring that Everton don't start the Newcastle game as tentatively and slowly as they have other games in recent weeks.

"I think the crowd [ended the Kyiv] game with a real satisfaction and pride with the way we performed," Martinez continued. "In the beginning we were trying very hard and it wasn't happening because of our anxiety and I think we're going to provide a different environment on Sunday. I think there's a real understanding among our fans that we're not far away in the league of showing what we're capable of doing.

"The crowd understands that our dressing room is phenomenal in terms of characters. There is an understanding that we need to support each other. In the same way we know that when we get the crowd going and on their feet, our play increases and we get the benefit from it.

"We know that we have 10 finals and we need to help each other to get the rewards that we want."

"It should be an advantage to play at home. We know that when we are brave and have a good intensity and tempo about our play then playing at Goodison is an incredible advantage and we need to use that in our favour."

Though he again referred to the hugely negative impact that the first three games of the season had on the team's collective morale, Martinez insisted that they're only looking forward now to the season run-in and those "ten finals" that remain on the domestic calendar.

He also dismissed the notion that he had set a points target for the club, suggesting that if they get things right on the field they won't have to worry about reaching a set goal or what other teams around them are doing.

"Our focus is now on what's in front of us. The 10 games in front of us provide a real opportunity to show we can finish the season really strong and that starts with Newcastle. In terms of preparation, we have to recover physically and mentally but playing at home really helps.

“It would be wrong to set a points tally. What We need to produce is the level of performance that is going to give us the results that we deserve. If you look at the game last night, if we perform like we did in the first 20 minutes, we're not going to get the points we want. If we play in the way that we did for the next 60 minutes we're going to get many strong performances and many points from that point on. So that's the focus."

 

Reader Comments (61)

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Phil Walling
2 Posted 13/03/2015 at 19:53:25
What we need is a couple of wins on the bounce to make sure we are safe. Then he can concentrate on ensuring his job is the same!
Mike Powell
3 Posted 13/03/2015 at 19:53:50
Listen to your players and fans — pack the tippy tappy shit in and play like we did in the second half against Kiev.

We will fly up the league if you would just stop the crappie slow, slow pass-back stuff, play to Lukaku's strengths because he is unplayable if you do. I won't hold my breath, though. COYB.

Doug Harris
4 Posted 13/03/2015 at 19:57:44
Let the players play.
Phil Davies
5 Posted 13/03/2015 at 20:00:38
If it really is going to be the turning point of the season Martinez needs to change his style or start selecting strong line-ups and dropping those not performing.

It's no good playing two defensive mid fielders who can't get the ball up the pitch quick enough and no good playing with no width if we're to dominate possession, the centre of the pitch gets clogged up by Barkley, Naismith, Mirallas and Lukaku, and the full backs can't link up with a winger and end up going backwards or they have to try and do it on there own.

Ian Brandes
6 Posted 13/03/2015 at 20:01:05
I normally switch him off, so I don't have to listen to his delusional clap trap.

But I hope this might be his 'Damascus Moment.' I don't care about his fate, but if a change of tactics benefits our club, then that is okay with me.

Let us hope he is ready to ditch his sterile tactic of possession at all costs. This team need to attack, and defend with the same intensity!

Phil Walling
7 Posted 13/03/2015 at 20:24:42
Our season starts NOW !
Adam Smith
8 Posted 13/03/2015 at 20:35:01
Has anyone else seen his pre-match press conference for Newcastle?

At the end of the conference he was asked about what was up with Baines; he walked away still answering. For a man very comfortable with the media (although he normally talks shite) it seemed a strange thing to do. It made me wonder as well if there has been some discussion over Baines's comments on ITV?

Not normally a conspiracy theorist, but in an interview where he spoke a lot of sense for the first time in ages, and seemed in a very good mood; something seemed to cross his face at the question.

Any one else see this? For the record as well, I hope that he is able to sort it out so do not wish him gone unless we really have no other option. So, I am not trying to sow discord!

Seb Niemand
9 Posted 13/03/2015 at 20:53:26
And we will lose to Newcastle and he will blame "tired legs". He has no credibility - this worthless charlatan will say anything to save his own skin as he looks to life beyond Everton. The sooner he starts that life, very much the better by me.
Chris Gould
10 Posted 13/03/2015 at 20:43:34
I find myself softening towards Roberto and I don't really know why? Maybe it's the beer.

I don't believe that he turned things round last night, but I want to believe that the penny's dropped. I like Phil's, 'The season starts NOW,' mantra.

I'm going to try and forget that he's been utterly useless for the past 12 months and see if he can win me over during these last 10 games. He did it once, maybe he can do it again.

Patrick Murphy
11 Posted 13/03/2015 at 21:01:25
There is a little confusion as to the nature of Leighton Baines injury as somewhere it was reported as a thigh strain but I also read that it was a groin strain, Leighton said last night that he hoped to back for the return leg in Ukraine.
Kelvin Thomas
12 Posted 13/03/2015 at 21:00:15
Phill Jagielka played like a captain should last night: no messing, strong in the tackle and decisive. Lukaku led from the front last night as we all know he can. Both inspired the rest of the team to up their game.

Start the game on Sunday in same manner and Goodison will be behind the team! Not only that, we will also win the game! High tempo, high tempo, high tempo!

John Gee
13 Posted 13/03/2015 at 20:57:42
I'd love it if we won three on the bounce and we're able to give the man 10 games next season to prove which of his seasons was the fluke. But, and it's Kardashian sized but, I haven't seen one indicator in almost a year that he's the man to turn it around.

Someone said on the live forum that Peter Reid could motivate the players. I'm biased because he was a childhood hero but I'd love to see him given a chance to prove his worth. Evertonian, Everton achiever, Everton legend.

Dave Abrahams
14 Posted 13/03/2015 at 21:26:43
I don' t want to go on and on about it, but I could not relax last night, even though it was a decent performance, because the goalkeeper makes it impossible to relax... and he'll be playing on Sunday.
Joe Foster
15 Posted 13/03/2015 at 21:27:24
Our season has to start now. As poor as it has been we can play good enough to beat teams in premier I saw it last night. Lukaku played to his strengths scares defenders be it Europa or premier. It’s all down to RM, he has a plan that’s not working right now but if we can play like the 60 mins like last night we can stay up we can look good I believe. But Sunday is another dawn that I fear it will not happen.
Phil Walling
16 Posted 13/03/2015 at 21:28:16
Reid was a great player but has been a crap manager generally.
Alan McGuffog
17 Posted 13/03/2015 at 21:35:18
Does anyone know how many times in the last 30 years we have said...."This is it, we start NOW"? And then revert to type. Called a false dawn... I'll be delighted if we take the game to the Barcodes and batter them. Delighted and amazed.
Helen Mallon
18 Posted 13/03/2015 at 21:31:48
Seb give him a chance, he may have listened and realise his approach wont work in every game.
John Gee
19 Posted 13/03/2015 at 21:50:12
Elaborate Phil and I promise not to say right man/wrong job it anything like that.
Paul Montgomery
20 Posted 13/03/2015 at 21:43:05
Crap manager, Reid, spent three years at Maine Road as player-manager, and guided them to two fifth-place finishes in the First Division, the first of which saw them finish above their city rivals Manchester United.

He returned to management with Sunderland in 1995. He won promotion to the Premier League with the club on two occasions and achieved two seventh-place finishes in the top division. He combined his role at the Stadium of Light with the job as manager of the England U21 for a brief spell in 1999. His seven-year association with Sunderland ended in 2002

Christopher Dover
21 Posted 13/03/2015 at 21:55:09
If the penny's dropped, why has it taken over 30 games for it to do so?
Bobby Thomas
22 Posted 13/03/2015 at 21:51:01
#16 Phil

Bit harsh on Reid that.

Absurdly harsh sacking by Man City after doing a good job. Did great for Sunderland but a bad phase in the transfer market led to problems. Ended badly no doubt.

Latter part of his managerial career seemed to consist of taking jobs he should have steered well clear of (Leeds, Coventry, Plymouth) as the clubs were disaster areas at the time.

But he couldn't stay away, as he just loves footy. I KNEW he was going to be sacked by Coventry, the club was unmanageable.

Why he left a great job back in the Prem as Pulis assistant to join whoever as manager I don't know. He should have stuck with that.

Still think he would make a cracking first team coach for someone.

Gerard Carey
23 Posted 13/03/2015 at 22:05:44
"By jove I think he's got it"!!!!!. Sunday will tell a lot, if he goes back to tippy tappy get rid of.
Ian Brandes
24 Posted 13/03/2015 at 22:24:16
Chris 21

One word -Desperation!

Andy Crooks
25 Posted 13/03/2015 at 22:25:07
Gerard, that is it exactly.
Bill Gall
26 Posted 13/03/2015 at 21:36:45
I can not believe that he mentioned the first three games as a negative impact on their season again. Their defensive failings was there for all to see in these games, but he has never done one thing to change it .He has consistently stated over the rest of the season that there was nothing wrong with his tactics, and he would continue with his philosophy regardless of the outcome. And now with three quarters of the season gone he suddenly says he has an understanding of what has gone wrong in the league.

His statement of it's (not necessarily anything ) technical or tactically its more of having the right mental approach. I m o he is just stating that his tactics are right but the players are not doing it correctly.

Mr Martinez 's is suddenly realizing after the crowd and the players suddenly realized that something had to be done, as the season was going down the tubes, that his tactics were wrong from the start and is now jumping on the bandwagon with a statement , that this positive result could have big implications for the rest of the season.

The only way that this result could have positive results for the rest of the season is if you stop being so stubborn in your tactics, and negative team selections and take note of the difference, when the ball is moved forward quickly , have people in the box that are not frightened to shoot at the goal and, start providing defensive cover at free kicks and corners.

I hope that Everton noticed the positive effect that came with the introduction of Osman,and make a real effort in the close season to get in a quality midfielder, who is not passed his prime.

Gavin Johnson
27 Posted 13/03/2015 at 22:20:53
I always hoped we could persuade Peer Reid to manage us in the dark days of the late 90's, and we were linked to him but it seemed he was very loyal to Sunderland - Another quality Reidy has. I don't know about him being a premier league manager now, but he would still be a great number 2.

We seem to have lots of ex-players involved in the coaching these days. Perhaps this is partly because Roberto wants to align himself with the clubs history and traditions. I'm not sure about all of them but I would love Reidy to be sitting on the bench next to Dunc. One thing you can guarantee with him is motivation, enthusiasm and someone who voices his opinion, which might not be the type of ex-player, Roberto wants coaching the team.

Phil Sammon
28 Posted 13/03/2015 at 22:55:35
I can't believe people are actually falling for his bullshit...AGAIN.

The goalkeeper, the two defensive mids, the one winger...he won't change any of it. He's had so many chances now and he will not budge.

25 minutes into that game I said 'I don't care if we come back and win this 5-1, the man has to go.' Im sticking with it. Get him out of the club now.

Ernie Baywood
29 Posted 13/03/2015 at 23:09:19
Those comments read to me as someone who has maintained "we stay calm, hold possession, and the stats will win out" and just seen exactly what happens when we don't. Heart and passion isn't something that can be trained. It certainly doesn't happen when the tactic is to be moving at 2 miles an hour.

From his comments I think he wants us to play with more spirit but doesn't have a clue how to make it happen.

Play quickly, encourage players to keep it in their half, the noise will come from the stands Roberto.

John Gee
30 Posted 13/03/2015 at 23:07:58
One thing that never gets mentioned is Peter Reid auctioned his medals to save Plymouth.

My motto in life is "choose your heroes", I got this motto around the time the sun was calling Gary glitter a national treasure.

Peter Reid is Everton through and through. We've given chances to unproved managers and promising managers. Why not give him a go? He gets us and is there a single fan who doesn't love him?

Patrick Murphy
31 Posted 13/03/2015 at 23:29:13
Barry Horne in his Echo Column says that he watched Wigan a lot during Martinez’s tenure and he sees similarities.

Their games would almost always follow a similar pattern. They’d start off looking to keep the ball in their own half, playing quite defensively and sitting back. Then they’d go a goal behind, usually through a defensive error or a set-piece, and only then would they come out and start attacking.

Sound familiar? I bet it does to a lot of Evertonians.

Let’s see what unfolds on Sunday...

Denis Richardson
32 Posted 13/03/2015 at 23:36:56
Ground Hog day again - as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words and those actions need to come on Sunday. We've had this 'turning point' about 4 times already this season.

Barcodes have nothing much to play for and have their top striker out. Time to finally get 3 points.

Anyone else think Robertos beginning to show the strain? He looks a few years older than he did a couple of weeks ago.

Ian Riley
33 Posted 13/03/2015 at 23:24:36
A turning point! It really is Friday the 13th! Six points above the drop, playing shit all season, oh sorry Thursday nights don't count. How the feck did we pay wigan compensation for him. Did our manager suddenly realise it won't be the chairman who decides if he goes or stays. Lets be honest can anyone see a change on sunday? It's down to the players to save us and if it means ignoring managers orders, so be it! At least playing on a sunday gives us a day's grace before the pain to come!
Chris Owens
34 Posted 13/03/2015 at 23:54:45
Another turning point! I've lost count of them now.
What happens between the "phenomenal dressing room" and the pitch? Maybe Z-Cars is to blame?
Trevor Peers
35 Posted 13/03/2015 at 23:58:41
Ried till the end of the season Why not ? We might need his fighting spirit a lot depends on the next two vital matches. I bet that news would send a shiver down Robertos spine .
Karl Parsons
36 Posted 14/03/2015 at 00:13:47
We've turned more fucking corners than a hotel chamber maid. Just go.
Phil Walling
37 Posted 14/03/2015 at 00:33:34
Reid is yesterday's man who had his days as a manager early this century. Nobody in this squad will have any knowledge of what he did for us as a player. We are stuck with the Catalan -you've just got to hope he can drag us over the line. And then he can do one.
Andy Crooks
38 Posted 14/03/2015 at 00:43:35
Phil Salmon, exactly. Martinez has already earned the sack.
Andy Crooks
39 Posted 14/03/2015 at 00:48:21
Phil, who would you rather have send the players out on Sunday. Peter Reid or our current coach?
Frank Crewe
40 Posted 14/03/2015 at 00:40:11
So far none of our EL wins have led to any kind of improvement in our PL form at all. If anything we just look worn out after putting so much effort into getting a good EL result. I don't see why this result will lead to any "turning point" at all.

Maybe if he just kept his pie hole shut and wait until afer the Newcastle game before he starts spouting off about turning points.

As it is if we just look knackered, play for a point and get beaten again he'll just look like a useless twat once more and the clamour giving him his taxi fare will be ratcheted up another notch.

Tell you what though he's looking rough in the pic at the top. A few sleepless nights on that face. He knows if he fucks this up and gets a second PL club relegated, especially one as long standing as Everton, he won't be managing another PL club for the next 10 years, if at all.

James Stewart
41 Posted 14/03/2015 at 01:07:24
Turning point to what exactly? Avoiding relegation is key. I still think his job is on the line lose to Newcastle and its boiling point.
Derek Thomas
42 Posted 14/03/2015 at 01:27:56
As always any credit migrates to towards the top just as blame tends to filter down.

No mention of the crowd. Seems Ken B and everybody else imagined a noise related improvement or maybe it was just a coincidence.

Michael Winstanley
43 Posted 14/03/2015 at 01:17:33
Something has happened. I watch Roberto's pre-match interviews every week. He's a changed man. Loved the question at the end, "What's Leighton's problem with you?'

Last night I watched Jags, Lukaku, McCarthy and Gaz Baz impose themselves on the game. Nice to see Leon back. What joy to see Lukaku's found his touch. It's nice to see it, shows what a player we have. I thought Barkley did okay with some sublime passes, he wasn't careless with the ball and didn't lose it much as others. Naismith did his usual, however he should not try to play anyone in, he hasn't got that in his locker, he should pass to someone who can.

Mirallas, Oh Kevin Mirallas. What is your position in our team? You appear everywhere over the front line, often running into the same space as the other attackers, you don't play Coleman in enough, you give the ball away cheaply and if I'm honest you don't look good enough.

Get Robles back in goal. Stones slots straight back in, I imagine Alacarz at the top of his game is some player. I'd play Baines if he's fit. Garbutt improved with the game, he'll learn loads from this and I have to say I love his corners. I'd rest him for the return leg.

If Martinez can survive this then it bodes well for the future. We can play better football and I'm sure we will before the season is out.

Mark Andersson
44 Posted 14/03/2015 at 03:05:21
On late today so not had time to read all the posts. All I can say Chris is do net ever feel for this guy’ he doesn’t care about us real fans. The photo of him looks like a defeated man. The sooner the players play for them self’s and ignore their managers crazy tactics the better for all of us, other wise we will all look as gaunt and worried as him.

Looking forward to getting back home to read everything ToffeeWeb.

Reg Gates
45 Posted 14/03/2015 at 03:15:03
I'm for him out, we cannot be putting up with this guy and his backroom staff next season. He is weak and it screams at us, fits in with what Bill wants. Listened to Sharp backing him, Sharp did the same when Walter was there, got no respect for him either.
Reg Gates
46 Posted 14/03/2015 at 03:44:52
I’m for him out, we cannot be putting up with this guy and his backroom staff next season.

He is weak and it screams at us,f its in with what Bill wants. Listened to Sharp backing him, Sharp did the same when Walter was there. I’ve got no respect for him either.
Danny Kewley
48 Posted 14/03/2015 at 03:35:11
In all probability, we will be the last UK team in European competition come next Thursday so why not really go for it and show what we are capable of – attack, attack, attack! COME ON YOU BLUE BOYS!!!!
Eddie Dunn
49 Posted 14/03/2015 at 08:22:57
I am pleased that we showed guts and application on Thursday, and I would love to think that Martinez has seen the light, listened to the crowd, and that we will from now on play with tempo and intensity.

The Newcastle game, at home, will give us the answer. If we get a bit of luck and get an early goal, then I hope the players can build on it and with confidence restored, can go on and get us up the league.However, I don't believe that Martinez has understood that the Goodison crowd got the message through to the players, and one or two who were tempted to pass backwards, or sideways, instead thought, "Oh fuck, I'd better buck my ideas up, the crowd aren't happy".

If there is a drop-off in intensity from Thursday night, and if confidence starts to fade, then I fear more of the same. Can this man fire them up, get them pumping before a crisis happens? Time will tell, but I am worried that it will turn put like all the other turning points this season.

Start with Kone and Rom and put Kev on the bench. Get Robles back or we will be chasing the game again.

Colin Glassar
50 Posted 14/03/2015 at 08:54:20
Phil W, is your metamorphosis into a Martinez fan the genuine article or are you just torturing us with your irony and wit?
Peter Barry
51 Posted 14/03/2015 at 09:05:37
I for one am becoming sick and tired of all this 'turning point' BS we keep getting from Roberto. Stop telling us — SHOW US!!!
Guy Hastings
52 Posted 14/03/2015 at 09:10:12
Adam 8 - quite why current squad players are allowed in the commentary box is beyond me. It's a PR nightmare and the player is "damned if he does/damned if he doesn't" say anything untoward.

A Kremlinologist would have had a ball with Leighton's performance – his reply to the how-to-defend-at-corners question had "don't ask me, I'm only an international full-back, talk to the coaching team" written all over it. And when asked about the change of tempo and directness after we went behind his "sometimes you have to change" response was a treat. If Martinez is here for the long term, I can see a dressing room struggle between LB and RM next season, if it's not there already.

Andy Meighan
53 Posted 14/03/2015 at 09:22:58
The key to Sunday is to start quickly and get us onside. Start anything like we did against Leicester and we're in trouble. Newcastle aren't in great form themselves with only 2 wins from 10 and we've got a good home record against them. Hopefully with them being safe, they'll have their flip flops on so maybe now is a great time to play them.

There'll be close to a full house tomorrow and I think we'll have to play our part as well... but it's down to the players to give us something to get behind. No 60- or 45-minute performances – it's got to be a 90 minutes at full tilt.

I'm tempted to say our season starts here but I've heard it before, ie, Hull, WBA and Leicester. Draw or lose tomorrow and the crowd will really let him know about it. I'm going to stick my neck out and say we'll win and win comfortably. Oh, yes, I am sober – it's only 9:35 am.

Tony Abrahams
54 Posted 14/03/2015 at 11:21:29
Michael (#43), a good positive post. Beat Newcastle and confidence should return. If Baines is fit I would play Garbutt in front of him, especially in the Ukraine, because Kiev will definitely look to exploit us down the flanks.

We need to sort the left side out, right now. It's too easy to get at Everton, down this side at the moment, and a simple tweak, to play an outside left, would strengthen us both in attack and defence.

Then we can concentrate on corners. Both for and against, Put a blue shirt at the front post, in front of everyone else. This will help clear any bad corners against us, and also turn our bad corners into decent ones, with a little flick on. Our corners have to be perfect at the minute (which they're not) because the closet Everton player to the ball is round about the penalty spot. Think about the last two goals we have conceded from corners; neither of them were particular good balls into the box?

Anyway, I hope he's right and we can now play like that all the time. It's better to watch, and gets the crowd involved. Too many teams have had it easy at Goodison this season, both on and off the pitch. But if we can play with intensity throughout, then I'm sure the corner can be turned for good.

Ben Lawrenson
55 Posted 14/03/2015 at 13:02:20
A1-1 draw at best. Howard incapable of keeping a clean sheet.

Baines seemingly bemused about our tactics at corners spoke volumes on Thursday. Organising the defence is the most important job and practising set pieces both attacking and defending. We do none of these things.

I expect another soulless, lacklustre, pedestrian performance tomorrow. I pray that we play with some tempo. We haven't played well in the league at home since Man Utd last Easter.

Colin Glassar
56 Posted 14/03/2015 at 14:07:15
Pretty damning comments from Sharpey and Mountfield and the Sky panel re our play. 'Boring and predictable' the most used phrase.
Guy Hastings
57 Posted 14/03/2015 at 16:15:44
Agree, Colin. If Sharp is having a go it must be bad. What totally escapes me is that if the formula worked so well last season, why the fuck did RM change it? And it's not simply because Barry has slowed down and Tim has not had the best of seasons.
Ray Roche
58 Posted 14/03/2015 at 16:29:14
Guy, I think Martinez changed things because he imagines that he's a better manager than he actually is. He has attempted to put his mark on Everton and in doing so he's extinguished all he good things, and there were many, that Moyes has instilled in us over the years. We are no longer fit enough, we can't defend, we play players out of position, he's worse than Moyes for playing his favourites, and he doesn't or can't get the best out of Lukaku. To coin a phrase, he's Wiganised us, and that ended well, didn't it?
Trevor Peers
59 Posted 14/03/2015 at 16:23:25
Guy, my theory why we did so well last season is the players had been used to a system under Moyes that had yielded us a top-half finish for MANY years. Roberto had merely overseen that system while slowly introducing his own ideas. All the good habits and discipline have now however slowly ebbed away and we're left with Roberto's bankrupt tactics which don't amount to much at all.

I am not advocating his return but boring though lots of us found Moyes's brand of football, you have to give him some credit for the continuity and stability he gave to Everton which is now missing – and just look at the position we now find ourselves in.

Guy Hastings
60 Posted 14/03/2015 at 20:51:07
Ray and Trevor – have to agree with you both 100%. It was something of a rhetorical question but if any time demanded something of a Caine Mutiny reaction from the players (as I've posted before), the time is now.
Jay Harris
61 Posted 14/03/2015 at 21:24:09
If you bring in Wigan's back room staff, some Wigan players, and declare you will not change your footballing style, why is anybody surprised that we've turned into Wigan???

No acknowledgement whatsoever that the crowd changed the game and the result. Typical arrogance and ignorance.

David King
62 Posted 14/03/2015 at 21:50:25
So,our season starts tomorrow!, No, the season started in August ffs,......I just can't see Martinez changing anything, he will pick Howard again and we will need to score a goal just to get a draw!
Gerry Quinn
63 Posted 16/03/2015 at 17:12:19
I see that John Stones "lost a night's sleep" over his sending off against Young Boys...

Lucky bugger — I haven't slept properly SINCE AUGUST!


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