Mirallas regretting new deal with Everton?

22/09/2015

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A report in his native Belgium suggests that Kevin Mirallas's relationship with Roberto Martinez is deteriorating as he struggles for regular playing time just weeks after signing a new contract.

Het Laatste Nieuwsblad say that Mirallas may come to regret having agreed to extend his stay with the Blues as his frustration at not being selected in the Blues' team grows. Indeed, they posit that his red card at Swansea last Saturday may have been an expression of that impatience – the 27-year-old was sent off just two minutes after coming on as a time-killing injury-time substitute in the goalless draw.

Mirallas's rapport with Martinez hasn't seemed right since the penalty drama in the home game against West Bromwich Albion in January when he broke ranks, assumed penalty-taking duties from Leighton Baines and missed a vital spot-kick.

Subsequent comments in the Belgian media in which he expressed a desire to leave for a Champions League team hinted that his time at Goodison would soon be up but he eventually signed a new deal with Everton this past summer.

A recent interview with the Liverpool Echo appeared to show a Mirallas content with that decision – although he did say that he was not happy about the length of time it took the club to offer him new terms – and it is not clear whether these new noises coming out of Belgium are coming from the player or is speculation based on his lack of appearances lately.

Update A further report in Voetbal Krant in Belgium hints that Mirallas is lacking confidence with Martinez reneging on a commitment to give the player a more prominent role in the side this season.

They suggest that Mirallas opted to sign a new contract on that basis rather that settle for a bit-part role at another European side.