Martinez fine with Barkley's penalty miss

, 20 April, 89comments  |  Jump to most recent
Roberto Martinez claims that in hindsight he is happier Ross Barkley missed than scored his first Premier League penalty for Everton. The manager was relieved that the 21 year-old did not hide after his spot-kick failure and played a full part in the 1-0 win.

Despite Martinez's categorical insistence following Kevin Mirallas' miss from the spot against West Bromwich Albion in January the penalty that "Leighton Baines is on penalties", it was Barkley and not Baines who assumed responsibility for the Blues' first-half spot-kick on Saturday and, like the Belgian, he missed.

“Once you win and can look back at that incident, I'm happier he missed it rather than scored because as an experience it doesn't get any better than wanting to take the responsibility, wanting to score in front of the Park End,” his manager said. “And then his performance from that point on was like someone who has been playing at this level for his whole career.

“He is only 21 and I was extremely impressed in the manner that he took responsibility, working for the team, doing his job, showing for the ball.

“The bravery of Ross Barkley is to get on the ball and always be available. I think we have got a better player after that display because of the experience of the penalty.”

Quotes sourced from The Mirror



Reader Comments (89)

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Paul Gladwell
1 Posted 20/04/2015 at 07:14:49
HeÂ’s glad Barkley missed the penalty!! HeÂ’s sent me over the edge now, I just cannot handle this utter bullshit week after week, does he think we are all thick?
Colin Glassar
2 Posted 20/04/2015 at 07:39:15
As you all know, IÂ’m a massive El Bob fan but even I have doubts about his sanity sometimes. When he comes out with crap like "IÂ’m glad Barkley missed the penalty" I despair.

It must be a nightmare living with him.

"whatÂ’s for tea, honey?"
"fish fingers and beans Bobby. But IÂ’ve burnt the fish fingers"
"oh, donÂ’t worry. Burnt fish fingers are phenomenal with a unique taste of errrrrr...........burnt. Anyway, the burning is healthy and makes you better person and happier".

Phil Sammon
3 Posted 20/04/2015 at 08:10:28
Where does he say heÂ’s glad Barkley missed the penalty???

IÂ’ve not read that myself...but that is absolutely bananas if he really has come out with such a statement.

Darren Hind
4 Posted 20/04/2015 at 08:23:10
Glad he missed the penalty ?

My mate (who IÂ’ve known from school) acted totally out of character on Saturday. HeÂ’s only ever bet in fivers or tenners, all his life, but for some inexplicable reason he decided to put 25 quid on 1-0.

IÂ’m going to give him a call later and ask him if Bobby was in the bookies with him placing the same bet

Paul Tran
5 Posted 20/04/2015 at 09:08:16
Darren, thatÂ’s the kind of information we all need. IÂ’m expecting the next tip at midday on Sunday. MartinezÂ’s statement was positivity at its most bizarre. Absolute nonsense.
Jim Bennings
7 Posted 20/04/2015 at 12:23:59
Well apparently now Martinez is "happy that Barkley missed the penalty because of the reaction afterwards".

Dearly dreary me, what have we got!?

Guy Hastings
8 Posted 20/04/2015 at 13:06:22
Â’Look, thereÂ’s a mushroom cloud on the horizon - letÂ’s all sing a song about how nuclear conflagration will make us strongerÂ’. I really canÂ’t take any more of RMÂ’s deluded, sunshine-bathed observations - if he wants to throw this sort of crap at me, he can write an Â’optimising optimismÂ’ self-help book and let me decide whether IÂ’m going to buy it. Which, to be fair, is about as likely as me buying into his post-match gibberish now. Link
Patrick Murphy
9 Posted 20/04/2015 at 16:09:45
Least said soonest mended Roberto - We all understand what he means but surely he could have said it differently. If he does talk to the players like he does to the media - how many of the players have stopped listening and who would blame them?
Denis Richardson
10 Posted 20/04/2015 at 16:14:50
This guy will go to any possible lengths to make any situation into a Â’positiveÂ’. He just cannot help himself.

Â’IÂ’m happier he missed it rather than scoredÂ’ - how the hell can anyone, let alone a manager say this? He wants the lad to gain the experience of missing a penalty in front of the Park End instead of the joy and experience of actually scoring one, which presumably will make him more confident and hungrier to take them going forward!

Nevermind the fact that Baines has taken 15 penalties in the league and scored 14 of them. Hey Booby, how about just saying that Baines is on penalties and leave it at that!

Jimmy Salt
11 Posted 20/04/2015 at 16:27:47
Bonkers.
Sam Morrison
12 Posted 20/04/2015 at 16:34:06
I can relate. Every time I sky an easy finish over the bar, I get happier with my performances. Conversely, scoring a goal makes me morose and my game tends to suffer.
Liam Reilly
13 Posted 20/04/2015 at 16:33:26
ThereÂ’s a serious lacking in leadership here. RM really needs to get hold of this situation and clear up once and for all. Who is responsible for penalties and who is the deputy?

From what I can gather itÂ’s Lukaku first and Baines as deputy but it appears itÂ’s anyoneÂ’s call if Lukaku is not out there.

Chaotic stuff.

Peter McHugh
14 Posted 20/04/2015 at 16:41:16
Chill pill fellas nothing to see here.

As we won, heÂ’s glad now that it happens as heÂ’s now had opportunity to see the playersÂ’ character following an event that could have left Barkley going into his shell afterwards.

Seems fair to me

Brian Williams
15 Posted 20/04/2015 at 16:40:51
As well as he speaks English Martinez may still have a problem with the nuances of our language as in.
"As it happens we won, so the miss wasnÂ’t a disaster, but Ross missing the penalty gave me a chance to see his character after the miss and for that IÂ’m grateful because it allowed me to see his reaction, which was positive."
If heÂ’d have said that would we be happier?
OK..........heÂ’s fucking bonkers!
Brian Harrison
16 Posted 20/04/2015 at 16:41:25
I have to say that I am not surprised all he has done since becoming manager is to talk utter rubbish. I can well imagine what the conversation is at Finch Farm between the players, can they have any belief in a manager who says things like this. Just ban him from doing press conferences, send out the tea lady she will speak more sense. I have never heard him give a realistic appraisal of any game we have been involved with, and to think there is more to come for next season.
Winston Williamson
17 Posted 20/04/2015 at 16:47:07
Actually Brian, that would probably be a fair enough comment....had he not spoken a load of crap for the last 12 months
Andrew Ellams
18 Posted 20/04/2015 at 16:53:57
As somebody who didnÂ’t see the game on Saturday, how did Ross react to the penalty miss?
Brian Harrison
19 Posted 20/04/2015 at 16:59:29
Andrew I thought Barkley started off brightly looking to get on the ball as much as he could and when not in possession chased back and put himself about. After the penalty miss I think his head went down and as the game wore on he just didnÂ’t impose himself at all. I am afraid all we ever see from Ross are 10 minute cameos but never sustains the performance for 45 minutes never mind 90 minutes. I think he is of the age now were he should be having a bigger impact on games, if he is to live up to the hype then for me next season is make or break for Ross.
Patrick Murphy
20 Posted 20/04/2015 at 17:02:29
Imagine if you were stuck in some far off place with no sat-nav or any modern technological path-finders, you have an hour to find the local pharmacy to obtain the medicine that will save your life, - you know you are in the right general area but donÂ’t want to make a mistake because it could cost you your life and then who comes along but Mr Martinez - ah well at least you wonÂ’t die alone.
Shane Corcoran
21 Posted 20/04/2015 at 17:08:15
In fariness to him, he did say "once you win" i.e. as they penalty didnÂ’t cost the team the victory, heÂ’s glad heÂ’s missed it.

Still quite not sure on his logic though. I suppose maybe it was good to see a positive reaction rather than letting the head drop.

Phill Thompson
22 Posted 20/04/2015 at 17:04:06
I would have been much happier with something like " thatÂ’s 3 penalties that have been missed , Ross, Mirallas, Baines,
and the U21s went out of a competition on penalties last week. While this does not mean we have a problem taking penalties, it is something we are now practising and working on at all levels of the club and I expect us to be phenomenal penalty takers from now on."
Phill Thompson
23 Posted 20/04/2015 at 17:04:06
I would have been much happier with something like " thatÂ’s 3 penalties that have been missed , Ross, Mirallas, Baines,
and the U21s went out of a competition on penalties last week. While this does not mean we have a problem taking penalties, it is something we are now practising and working on at all levels of the club and I expect us to be phenomenal penalty takers from now on."
Denis Richardson
24 Posted 20/04/2015 at 17:14:06
Phil, we donÂ’t practice set pieces (defending or attacking) and we donÂ’t seem to practice defending full stop (per Garbutts comments earlier in the season). It would not surprise me in the slightest if we didnÂ’t practice penalties as well.

In fact I wonder what the players actually do at Finch Farm as fitness training clearly isnÂ’t high on the agenda either.

Do any TWers go to Finch Farm who can give some feedback? (IÂ’m genuinely curious, thanks.)

Chris Gould
25 Posted 20/04/2015 at 17:13:28
HeÂ’s pure comedy gold. If he wasnÂ’t our manager IÂ’d love him!
Every week his interviews make me laugh...and then cry.
Steve Foster
26 Posted 20/04/2015 at 17:14:03
I know I am raising my head a bit here, but more out of curiosity then anything else I pose this question.

But does anyone actually like/want Roberto as our Manager?

Bizarre question, but I cant recall ever seeing anyone say anything positive or supportive of him. Even Moyes never got it this bad.

Like I said, not looking for a hurl of abuse, just the question I ask.

Brian Harrison
27 Posted 20/04/2015 at 17:24:28
I can well see the other lot appointing Klopp at the end of this season, as I don't think Rodgers will get anymore time and money. I wouldnt be surprised if he has already been approached, especially when you think how Rodgers spent the Suarez money. While despite our supporters lacking any faith in RM he will still be here spouting his rubbish next season.
Patrick Murphy
28 Posted 20/04/2015 at 17:33:22
Steve - I think plenty of fans still like Martinez but many have deep reservations about his abilities and he certainly doesnÂ’t win many over with what seem totally bizarre utterances and it does appear that he doesnÂ’t speak our language both literally and in football terms. I wish I could obtain a tape of his regular phone-calls with the Chairman, but I wonder if BK has given him his home phone number.

Jim Bennings
29 Posted 20/04/2015 at 17:42:15
Lunacy!!

It wonÂ’t be long before we start passing the ball all the way back to the halfway line from our corners.

The man has shown great signs of insanity this season after such a promising start to his Everton tenure in 2013..

Ross Edwards
30 Posted 20/04/2015 at 17:40:32
What a load of rubbish. I thought after the Mirallas incident RM would have put his foot down and ensured that Baines was the designated taker. Clearly he hasnÂ’t and is obviously a soft touch.

Typical bullshit as ever.

Imagine Roberto reacting to his wife cheating or something:

Â’Well darling, IÂ’m happier that you cheated rather than stay so loyal because you can learn from the experience and use that to be a more trusting, loving wife in the future, so we can maintain our phenomenal relationship and your great characterÂ’

Patrick Murphy
31 Posted 20/04/2015 at 17:43:56
Brian - The latest rumour doing the rounds is that Klopp will come to England but his likely destination is Arsenal - according to a trustworthy source in relation to all things Dortmund Â’Thomas HenekeÂ’ The article in the Kicker magazine also says that he would prefer to go to one of the trio of English clubs including the other lot and Manchester United but he wouldnÂ’t consider City or Chelsea.

If we were to need a replacement manager, itÂ’s a pity we wonÂ’t be linked with names such as Klopp, but rather the usual suspects of Lennon, Hughes, Allardyce et al.

John Raftery
32 Posted 20/04/2015 at 17:45:26
I must say RobertoÂ’s statements are great for winding up the posters on ToffeeWeb. HeÂ’s having a laugh, surely!
Kevin Dale
33 Posted 20/04/2015 at 17:55:01
Brilliant, some great post on this, IÂ’ve not laughed so much for a long time. It dose seem however that leadership is a problem both on and off the field of play, good laugh though!
John Gee
34 Posted 20/04/2015 at 18:06:53
If heÂ’s not careful finch farm will start being called the funny farm.

Penalties are yet another footballing basic that weÂ’re behind the curve on.

Simon Hermansen
35 Posted 20/04/2015 at 17:59:03
I agree with Peter further up the thread that heÂ’s making a slightly valid point in a very bad way (as usual) i.e. In the context of the full 90 mins Ross might have become stronger for the miss (not entirely convinced mind you)

I think that RM is obsessed with trying to articulate what the players would want to hear. But he doesnÂ’t seem to realise this could be done with a quiet word in the ear and doesnÂ’t need airing in public. He should also be thinking Â’what would the fans like to hearÂ’, which is usually the opposite of his rainbow tinted view of the world, but this never seems to cross his mind

Unfortunately, despite his age, I think heÂ’s been in the game too long to change and I truly fear for the next few years

Stephen Brown
36 Posted 20/04/2015 at 18:25:43
Oh Bobby please think before you speak! Good advice to use on life
Paul Dark
37 Posted 20/04/2015 at 18:30:38
Martinez out!
Ken Finch
38 Posted 20/04/2015 at 18:33:27
RB looked nervous as he prepared to take the penalty and lived up to that. He gave away the place he was aiming at as well. Poor decision to let him take it. Give the job back to Baines.
Chris Feeley
39 Posted 20/04/2015 at 18:31:59
Does anybody know how easy it is to get somebody sectioned for their own safety? Surely this statement alone would be sufficient evidence that this unfortunate soul is clearly living on the wrong side of Doolally, never mind the mountains of supporting evidence that could be quickly collated. I genuinely worry for his sanity.
Colin Glassar
40 Posted 20/04/2015 at 18:45:07
Today I was awful at work. I kept on making mistakes, lost a big account annoyed my colleagues but my boss came up to me and said, "donÂ’t worry about fucking up. I want you to enjoy your work and if that means fucking up well thatÂ’s alright with me momma. You will be a phenomenal member of staff the more you fuck up as you will be unique in the future. DonÂ’t worry, be happy". Then I woke up.
Paul Dark
41 Posted 20/04/2015 at 19:02:46
So, why havenÂ’t you woken up to Martinez yet, Col? :-)
Barry Thompson
42 Posted 20/04/2015 at 19:00:59
That must have been an Â’incredible momentÂ’ when your boss said donÂ’t worry after you fucked up Colin
Colin Glassar
43 Posted 20/04/2015 at 19:09:59
I try to take with a pinch of salt whatever he says but this is beyond belief. I like Roberto. I think he will become a great Everton manager but I just wish heÂ’d shut up and stop talking crap. WhereÂ’s his wife ffs? My missus is always telling me to shut it.
Mike Hughes
44 Posted 20/04/2015 at 19:07:29
Missing penalties is a good thing. It means we can only get better at them. And if we can only get better at them, then thatÂ’s got to be good hasnÂ’t it?
Therefore the futureÂ’s bright.
(But is the future Roberto?)

Brian Harrison
45 Posted 20/04/2015 at 19:11:17
Patrick
I am sure Heneke knows a lot more about Klopp but Mourinho said that he had spoken to Klopp and he wasn't going to Chelsea. I cant see him replacing Van Gaal at Man Utd and I can't see Arsenal sacking Wenger. So that leaves Man City and quoted sources reckon that if they sack Pellegrini they want Guardiola but they wont get him till 2017. So the only other Premier League club who could possibly challenge for a Champions league place is Liverpool, all other candidates fall well short of what he would be looking for.
Glen Garrett
46 Posted 20/04/2015 at 19:13:49
How can Martinez say that he is fine with Barkley missing that penalty? Would he be fine with it if Everton had of been say 2-1 down at the time? What an idiot of a manager – have got no faith in him what so ever.

Just going to be another complete waste of space next season as far as I am concerned. Everton fans please donÂ’t expect Europe or silverwear next season, it just not going to happen.

Callum McNab
47 Posted 20/04/2015 at 19:29:24
ItÂ’s clear to me that Lakaku has said he wants to be the penalty taker (more goals means prizes, e.g top team coming in for him) and our "leader" has bowed to his needs. Bainesy, quite rightly has said "Up yours," hence the free-for-all now.
Certain individuals are running our club, not this clown of a manager.
Ray Said
48 Posted 20/04/2015 at 19:32:30
Colin (43) My wife does that as well. She says Â’two ears, one mouth so listen twice as much as you speakÂ’.
Roberto loves the sound of his own voice.
Helen Mallon
49 Posted 20/04/2015 at 19:18:01
You all keep saying give the pens back to Baines. Well I think he is just a coward and does not want to take them. If he did he would have pulled rank and took it, he is a scared pushover who does not want confrontation.
Michael Winstanley
50 Posted 20/04/2015 at 19:52:52
Agree with you Helen, Baines has no bottle.

As for RMÂ’s comments, I can see his logic.

Denis Richardson
51 Posted 20/04/2015 at 20:01:31
Helen, I agree that our Baines is a Â’lover not a fighterÂ’ in the words of our esteemed captain but surely its the managers job to choose who the penalty taker is.

Allowing Barkley to take it is all well and good if we were 3 or 4 nil up (after the pigs have flown over GP) but at 0-0, I really donÂ’t get it. Baines has one of the best penalty records in the league. I can only conclude that something (again) has gone on behind the scenes and RM and Baines no longer see eye to eye...

Ray Robinson
53 Posted 20/04/2015 at 20:24:23
Helen, donÂ’t agree. If someone has scored 14 out of 15 penalties (or whatever his great record is), heÂ’s hardly a bottler - unless he has suffered a dramatic drop in self-confidence.

Whatever, Martinez states in public, the issue of who takes penalties should be sorted out before the match starts and should only change if the appointed person "bottles" it, as you say. Martinez is spouting rubbish again, as usual, if he thinks that it should be sorted out in situ by the players. Has he never heard of league positions being decided on goal difference and does he not realise the cost of even one missed league position? The relentless at-all-costs positivity reminds me of the mindless corporate speak that I was subjected to during my working life and only has the opposite effect which is to make me even more cynical!

Lack of attention to detail such as this makes me think that Martinez is a totally disorganised individual and this seasonÂ’s ludicrous pre-season arrangements only confirm that impression.

Can anyone imagine a Mourinho being so laissez faire?

Declan Brown
57 Posted 20/04/2015 at 21:01:07
This guy is a true one off bona fide Grade A dyed in the wool lunatic. One Flew Over The CuckooÂ’s Nest has nothing on this guy!

The only thing that can be more bizarre would be the sight of the men in white coats chasing Martinez across Goodison Park amidst a game (like a scene out of Fawlty Towers) whilst the players as one all point at Martinez as he is being chased around the pitch much to the entertainment of the supporters. A special moment of character.

IÂ’ve decided to embrace the Martinez Looney Bin World. Bill will keep him, the football will be terrible, other supporters will be entertained by their teams, weÂ’ll be always be remembered as the team that had "El Lunatic" at the helm. ItÂ’s not going to change, embrace the madness of El Bob, at least we canÂ’t say it wonÂ’t be boring (off the pitch that is).

Get this guy his own reality show. Let the world join us on this crazy phenominal journey weÂ’re on. The Martinez Show, surely a ratings winner across the world!

IÂ’ve given up on crying, itÂ’s time for laughing...

Patrick Murphy
58 Posted 20/04/2015 at 21:39:49
Declan there is a delusional character named Martini played by Danny Devito in One Flew Over The CuckooÂ’s Nest.
Chris Gould
59 Posted 20/04/2015 at 21:39:08
HeÂ’s either lying to cover up the fact that the players just do as they please. Or, he has genuinely told them that they have permission to decide it amongst themselves who takes the penalties. I donÂ’t know which is worse.
He acts like a part-time coach who turns up 10 minutes before kick off.
Jay Wood
60 Posted 20/04/2015 at 21:09:44
Helen @ 49

"Baines... is just a coward and does not want to take them. If he did he would have pulled rank and took it, he is a scared pushover who does not want confrontation."

What Ray said @ 53. Having been our primary penalty taker over many seasons, scoring all but one of 16 PL penalties in all manner of pressurised situations, "a coward, scared pushover, who avoids confrontation" is NOT how I would describe Leighton Baines.

After the Mirallas miss against WBA, you would have thought behind closed doors the penalty situation would have been definitively resolved. It hasn’t.

The situation has now escalated whereby whenever we get a penalty uncertainty abounds, extra pressure is heaped unnecessarily on the shoulders of any penalty taker in an already pressurised situation.

As a further consequence, Leighton has been placed in an impossible situation by poor management, leadership and clear decision making by the manager and players alike. If he makes a scene and contests the issue with the player who has usurped his penalty taking role, it potentially distracts the eventual penalty taker further, as mentioned above.

If and when LB next takes a penalty, he will also be under additional pressure given the shenanigans of EvertonÂ’s last 3 penalties when LB was on the pitch.

Unquestionably, IMO, Baines is THE proven and best penalty taker at the club over many seasons. Yet this season players have unilaterally gone against a long established protocol: Leighton takes the penalties.

Again, IMO, it is unprofessional, amateurish and sadly all too indicative of a laissez-faire attitude that has infiltrated the club this season in many areas, not only on the subject of penalties.

Rank bad management and decision making by manager and players alike. Again, to quote Ray @ 53:

"Can anyone imagine a Mourinho being so laissez faire?"

And finally, RMÂ’s quotes on the matter. Seriously, can any one make sense of, or even a case for, whatever Roberto was trying to say on the subject of Everton penalties and penalty takers?

Brian Porter
61 Posted 20/04/2015 at 21:29:45
Martinez is so weak, itÂ’s unbelievable. How can anyone say this idiot is fit to manage a Premier League football team? I donÂ’t think Baines is a bottler, rather that he and Martinez,have fallen out behind the scenes. After all, since the Mirallas incident Baines has,received no backing at all from Martinez. Any other manager would have stepped up to the plate and told everyone that Baines is our penalty taker and that he will take our penalties from now on unless he decides otherwise. If this weak willed milksop would show his senior players some support and display a little backbone we might actually see some response from those players on the field. He is turning penalties into a bloody lottery, letting all and sundry Â’have a goÂ’ like weÂ’re some Sunday league junior team. For GodÂ’s sake BK, get rid of this madman before he starts to drive our loyal fans away. Even us long-suffering Evertonians can only take so much. Enough is enough.
Dave Lynch
62 Posted 20/04/2015 at 22:01:06
Imagine the scenario next season.

Everton are relegated under Barcelona Bobby.

Statement. " IÂ’m glad we got relegated, the players will play twice as phenomenal to get us back into the premiership and that can only be a good thing."

HeÂ’s a knobhead.

Darryl Ritchie
63 Posted 20/04/2015 at 21:50:22
To paraphrase RM; "In hind sight, the penalty didnÂ’t factor into the the 3 points so I think the miss helped Ross mature as a complete player. He played extremely well after. To go for glory and come up short , is an education in itself."

Seems a valid point to me. That said, Barkley should have never been anywhere near the ball in the first place.

Phil Sammon
65 Posted 20/04/2015 at 22:17:13
In defence of Leighton Baines, I have always thought he has a character just like my own. He can be confident and when people trust his ability then he rises to the occasion. However, in situations where people are competing for a role, he will choose to stay out of it and let the egos go at it. Some people find competition among friends/team-mates to be one of the most awkward situations in human nature.

Roberto, the philosopher, needs to tell Baines – and everyone else – that he is the best penalty taker at the club and if he’s on the pitch, he’s on them.

As an aside... RomÂ’s penalties have so far been terrible. I donÂ’t know how heÂ’s established himself as numero uno.

Peter Mills
66 Posted 20/04/2015 at 23:01:35
How on earth can a manager allow a state of affairs whereby an advantageous situation (i.e. a straightforward opportunity at kicking the ball into the goal from 12 yards) can become the subject of so much angst among players and supporters alike? ItÂ’s farcical.
Michael Winstanley
67 Posted 20/04/2015 at 23:18:04
The bottle tag for Banes comes from his lack of desire to take control and bang it home. If heÂ’s at it then he scores and he generally scores, the miss against United being his last.

The fact he either was or wasnÂ’t bothered isnÂ’t the issue, itÂ’s about standing up to Mirallas and saying Â’no we need to score, IÂ’m taking it.Â’

At that time we needed to see leaders on the pitch, players taking responsibility. Sadly, the ones we look to didnÂ’t fancy it.

Jay Harris
68 Posted 20/04/2015 at 23:37:44
Just watched the Martinez "laugh in" post match interview.

He must have said "incredible" at least 100 times and on the subject of the penalties it was obvious he has had a falling out with Bainesy because he kept deflecting the questions about Bainesy being the nominated penalty taker by saying we have 3 or 4 penalty takers (Lukaku, Barry, Ross) and whoever feels right at the "moment" will take it. But then contradicted himself by saying Lukaku is the nominated penalty taker but wasnÂ’t on the pitch.

This man will make us all as insane as him if he is allowed to carry on.

Garry Corgan
69 Posted 21/04/2015 at 01:24:09
Every time he opens his mouth IÂ’m left ever more incredulous at the ascending levels of nonsense heÂ’s spewing.
Christopher Kelly
70 Posted 21/04/2015 at 01:32:30
The only bigger bullshitter in the team than Kenwright is Martinez.
Jason Lam
72 Posted 21/04/2015 at 04:10:08
Mirallas taking the pen, when clearly you can see all the other players arguing against him (Naismith in particular), thatÂ’s when it started. To me, Baines as a person is either not that bothered or selfish enough to claim the penalties for himself. IÂ’m not that bothered whether I claim rightful petty credit and kudos for the work I give too.

But it shouldnÂ’t even lead to that: the manager declares who should take the pen. All the players are to go through the motions and have Baines take them. ItÂ’s called professionalism FFS.

Jason Lam
73 Posted 21/04/2015 at 04:30:58
If Martinez just said, "Right then, Baines takes the penalties or suffer my blabbering in my office!" then thatÂ’ll take out BainesÂ’ non-conflicting personality out of the situation. How difficult is that?
Ian Jones
74 Posted 21/04/2015 at 08:25:35
I just think penalties may be too much of a deadball situation for Martinez. He has admitted he prefers scoring from open play.

We could try Barry as the penalty taker next time. Instead of aiming for the goal, pass it backwards and then around the back looking for the decisive opening. Or just decline the penalty opportunity and let ref decide how to restart the game.

On a slightly more serious note, there is a rumour going around that both sets of Arsenal and Villa supporters will be joining together to wish Gerrard a Happy Birthday in the 35th minute of the Cup Final which is a lovely touch. :)

Dave Ganley
75 Posted 21/04/2015 at 08:27:31
Helen #49 and Michael #50 you are defending the indefensible. One of MartinezÂ’s many flaws is saying it's okay to make as many mistakes on the field as you like. The Premier League is not the place to take to the field knowing that, if you mess up, then it's okay.

Can you imagine Mourinho, Ferguson et al saying that they were glad one of their players missed a penalty? Absolutely not, thatÂ’s because theyÂ’re winners and they donÂ’t tolerate mistakes and sloppy attitudes and thatÂ’s why their teams were/are always competing for trophies at the end of each and every season.

At Everton, we appear to have degenerated into the realms of no-marks (to be fair, this is not all MartinezÂ’s fault, the board have been contributing to this for years) and with that attitude of fans defending this by throwing the onus on Baines by saying he has no bottle is ridiculous. Maybe if we carry on defending this kind of verbal rubbish, then maybe we deserve the physical rubbish we are continually seeing on the pitch.

Max Wilson
76 Posted 21/04/2015 at 11:15:09
Coming into this discussion rather late, I feel Phil Salmon is closest.

There doesnÂ’t seem to be a team policy re penalties, and if that is so, it would be outrageous. Okay, the penalty taker needs to be changed from time to time but, in this case, our expert was on the field, as he was when Kev pushed himself forward and missed. We need to know, donÂ’t we? Is this how Martinez is managing us?

Andrew Ellams
77 Posted 21/04/2015 at 11:33:43
Not only is Baines the most consistent penalty taker at Everton but also in the league. If his confidence took a bash when he missed at Old Trafford then get back on the horse. We havenÂ’t taken a decent penalty since and 3 different players have tried.
Richard Lyons
78 Posted 21/04/2015 at 11:45:29
Actually, I don’t think Barkley did play particularly well after the penalty miss – well, I suppose he was no better or worse than he normally is. So, yes, it seems he was able to shrug off the disappointment / embarrassment, but he still seems to have had all his natural forward vision trained out of him.

Lennon, and Pienaar last week, are the only team members who currently look like they really want to get into dangerous positions. You could almost see Barkley transform whenever he approached the penalty area, as he heeded the "take the safe option, take the safe option" heÂ’s learned from the whispering under the pillowcase...

Michael Winstanley
79 Posted 21/04/2015 at 12:02:53
Dave @75.

I agree with you, the Premier League is too competitive to give the young players the game time they need to develop but that is what Martinez has done with Barkley this season.

I agree, none of the managers you mention would accept our philosophy because they are in a completely different position to our own. They have oodles of cash and expectations to win; weÂ’re trying to get to a level where we can compete with the monied teams by developing footballers.

To get to that level, we have to get used to playing with the ball; mistakes have been made, and theyÂ’ve cost us, but the long-term objective is still in place.

I think itÂ’ll be interesting to see who we bring in during the summer, 2 or 3 players to challenge for first team places and a couple to progress from the academy.

We donÂ’t have the money to be competitive now and with the extra TV cash all clubs will have more money to attract players. The philosophy and structure Martinez has put in place will benefit us in the next 2 to 3 seasons.
ThatÂ’s hard to accept because we all want instant success but the reality is even with MoyesÂ’s best teams we struggled.

What is different is the young players coming through and being brought in: Stones, Barkley, Lukaku, McCarthy and Besic. ThatÂ’s half our team and only McCarthy has the game time under his belt... we have Garbutt, Browning and Ledson being pushed forward from the academy.

It really is a sea change in style and approach and whilst itÂ’s not been pretty this season the experience will help develop these youngsters into top players.

Harold Matthews
80 Posted 21/04/2015 at 12:39:04
IÂ’m doing my best to support Martinez because, apart from his obsession with Premier League experience, I do think he has some good footballing ideas, but I wish heÂ’d keep his mouth shut.
Dave Ganley
81 Posted 21/04/2015 at 14:41:37
Michael #79, yeah I appreciate all the points you make and for most part I agree with you. With our lack of cash we have to blood youngsters and yes they will make mistakes and that is understandable. However the point I was making is that when your manager constantly tells you it is ok to make mistakes (and this seemingly applies to all and not just the kids) then surely the intensity of the player decreases (some may say it helps to relax them...if thatÂ’s the case then they are relaxed to the point of falling over) and if a player has no edge then concentration lapses, all of which results in abject performances the like of which we have seen from all players this season.

A manager may take a player aside after a game and put an arm around and tell them that ok you made a mistake but learn from it and make sure it doesnÂ’t happen again. You donÂ’t publicly come out and say it is fine to make mistakes. The point about Mourinho/Ferguson etc is that privately they would put the arm around the shoulder but also make sure the player wouldnÂ’t make the same mistake again. Our players donÂ’t seem to learn and part of that issue is surely the manager publicly saying its ok to mess up again and again. To be honest, one of the youngest, most inexperienced players has been one of the best in John Stones. In experience terms, Barkley is head and shoulders above him but not in performance. Maybe that is due to being constantly told itÂ’s ok to mess up?

Jimmy Kelly
82 Posted 21/04/2015 at 14:58:35
Michael, I have to disagree.

IÂ’ve seen and heard a lot about the long term vision and how things are going to get better after 2/3 years but I see no evidence of this plan being in place. If weÂ’d finished 15th this year with Robles, Garbutt and Besic being fixtures in the side and Browning, Long, Ledson etc getting regular run outs then IÂ’d have accepted that. That would show we were planning for the future and you would hope the players would improve with experience.

It hasnÂ’t happened though. WeÂ’ve still got all the old heads in the team, many of whom have either been signed or been given a new contract by Martinez. How can you sign Barry, Alcaraz, Kone and EtoÂ’o and claim to be building for the future? It doesnÂ’t make sense.

Also, you say the situation has changed with regards to young players being in the side, but it hasnÂ’t at all. Lukaku, Stones etc are only the same age as Fellaini, Arteta, Baines, Yobo etc were when they were brought in. Despite what his critics will tell you, Moyes never had a problem playing young players, he had a problem playing people who couldnÂ’t play to strict instructions and had maverick tendencies. ThatÂ’s why Barkley was marginalised while the likes of Rodwell, Gosling, Anichebe etc all played at the same age.

James Stewart
83 Posted 21/04/2015 at 15:30:07
Indicative of the shambolic Martinez regime. Baines is a penalty specialist. He missed one like a lot of other first class penalty takers have done so what. Why does that mean its open season for anyone to just grab the ball and take one at Goodison. Its negligent and gross incompetence on MartinezÂ’s part. Baines is the penalty taker end of story should be the message coming from Martinez. ItÂ’s embarrassing what a disorganised rabble we have become.

@79
Michael I agree with you to some extent. Yes we have to get used to playing with the ball and with mixed success that has happened. My problem with Martinez is not his ideology its the shambolic ill discipline. Would Mourinho have tolerated Mirallas or Barkley grabbing the ball and missing penalties while your designated penalty taker was on the field? Not a chance

Andy Meighan
84 Posted 21/04/2015 at 16:00:22
ThereÂ’s not a team in world football that hasnÂ’t got a designated penalty taker... oh, er... hang on.
Helen Mallon
85 Posted 21/04/2015 at 16:06:33
Jay Wood @60 and Ray, why then did he not just walk up, grab the ball, and tell Ross "IÂ’m the penalty taker, now pee off while I knock in number 15 of 16." Martinez said Baines was the pen taker so he should have tken it.
Patrick Murphy
87 Posted 21/04/2015 at 16:14:25
Helen - If Baines was supposed to be the designated penalty taker, why did Ross take it upon himself to put the ball on the spot? If Ross was out of order, why would Baines decide to show up the young player and cause a bigger incident?

If Ross was the player charged with the responsibility prior to the game, there was no need for Baines to do anything at all.

Helen Mallon
88 Posted 21/04/2015 at 16:13:24
Dave Ganley I am not defending Martinez – I’m saying Baines’s knows he is the penalty taker, he’s the senior pro and it's up to him to be a bigger man.
Graham Mockford
89 Posted 21/04/2015 at 16:30:12
Helen,

ItÂ’s enough of a shambles with an apparent free-for-all on penalties without two of our players fighting like schoolboys as to is going to take the pen.

Blaming Baines is ridiculous when the blame lies with Martinez for not doing the basics and designating a penalty taker. After all, this is the third time the situation has arisen in four months. Talk about not learning from your mistakes.

Colin Glassar
90 Posted 21/04/2015 at 18:31:36
Maybe Baines is more interested in his music, Graham. I wonder if when heÂ’s bombing down the wing is he thinking of what Oasis tracks heÂ’s going to listen to after the game? Bainsey seems distracted this season.
Ray Robinson
91 Posted 21/04/2015 at 18:45:13
Colin, perhaps his relatively poor form is down to his being undecided whether to listen to Noel or LiamÂ’s Beady Eye?

Helen, he seems an unassuming guy - he probably doesnÂ’t want to get into an unseemly scramble for the ball, like a scene from a school playground. Martinez should sort this out once and for all before the game starts and if Baines doesnÂ’t fancy it for whatever reason during the game, there should be a designated stand-in. Even my amateur football team had this sorted! You cannot manage a professional football team in such a casual manner.

Dave Ganley
92 Posted 21/04/2015 at 20:47:48
Helen, Bainsey seems to have been the bigger man by not starting a show of disunity on the field as others have alluded to.

Colin, maybe Baines is distracted because El Messiah has cut him off at the knees this season, same as Coleman by not playing traditional wingers which they both have benefitted from in the past by providing support/cover. Instead he has often played with 3 number 10s on the field and, even when he does play wingers, they always come inside, again leaving both the fullbacks isolated.

It's no coincidence that both fullbacks have looked impotent when they have tried to play their normal game, instead with the lack of support and cover, both have gone into their shells and have become conservative due to the fact that if they do go forward there have been gaping holes behind them, often leading to goals. Nice one Bobby... master tactician

Colin Glassar
93 Posted 21/04/2015 at 21:10:42
You might have a point, Dave, they went gung ho in the first part of the season and got caught out more than once. Maybe itÂ’s more to do with the continued absences of Mirallas and Pienaar than with El Messiah as you put it.
Dave Ganley
94 Posted 21/04/2015 at 21:30:08
Yes, Colin, IÂ’ve got no doubt that the absence of Pienaar and Mirallas has contributed to Baines and Coleman looking so subdued as they all know each other's game so well.

What El Messiah must take credit for (oops freudian slip) be accountable for in their absence is either not playing wingers at all or having them come inside all the time.

When you have two of the best, most creative marauding fullbacks in the country then you play to their strengths regardless of their regular partners being injured, not stifle their talents and arguably making them look incompetent fools in the process.

Michael Winstanley
95 Posted 21/04/2015 at 21:39:44
Dave 81.

I think what comes out of MartinezÂ’s mouth is pure hyperbole. Last season by Christmas I couldnÂ’t stand his repetitive sound bites and cheery disposition. Now I can only listen to his pre-match on a Thursday, he doesnÂ’t get so carried away.

Rightly or wrongly, heÂ’s tried to give the players the responsibility and unfortunately many of them havenÂ’t been able to produce any kind of decent form.

I think the dressing room unrest has been the main cause behind the performances this season. It looked like the belief had gone. If Martinez can maintain a strong dressing room, then he has a chance.

Michael Winstanley
96 Posted 21/04/2015 at 22:08:45
Jimmy (#82).

The experience of this season will count a lot for the players over the next few seasons, as I think nearly being dragged right into a relegation dog-fight wasnÂ’t what theyÂ’d signed up for.

The players can play better individually and collectively, weÂ’ve witnessed that last season. Lennon has replaced Deulofeu and brought pace out wide and we look better for it.

I think Martinez played the best hand he had, with Pienaar, Mirallas, Osman, Gibson missing and McGeady and Atsu not at it. Stones was a massive miss.

All he had was EtoÂ’o, Lukaku, Barkley and Naismith, I was so excited by the prospect of them four plus our full backs making it an attacking six. Strangers the lot of them.

CouldnÂ’t believe it when I saw he started them the second time, or the third... I canÂ’t defend some of his decisions or lack of them and the performance away at Stoke was the worst IÂ’ve seen us play in a while, he could have gone then for me.

But to come through that with the quality players we have should be seen as an opportunity to push on in the other direction. Whatever has happened this season is in the past, if Martinez has the backing of the dressing room then I think he has to be given the chance next season plus I think the players will have a lot to prove next season.

Phil Walling
97 Posted 23/04/2015 at 19:19:46
ItÂ’s a characteristic of the Martinez management style that he is Â’fine with BarkleyÂ’s missÂ’. HeÂ’s fine with everything that goes wrong.

He was fine with the pre-season (non-)preparation, fine with the lack of practice for both defending or attacking at corners, fine with the Mirallas incident, fine about HowardÂ’s loss of form and fine with anything that might call for a minimum of managerial acumen.

In short, his players can do no wrong. He is in awe of them. Just as he was at Wigan. And we all know what that led to, donÂ’t we?


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