Manager Roberto Martinez said he
understands why his future as Everton manager is under scrutiny and asked
disgruntled fans to stay behind the team despite their disappointing campaign.
The
pressure on the Spaniard is arguably at its highest since he took charge of the
club in 2013, with British media reporting that Everton's board would
meet to
discuss his future following its exit on Saturday from the FA Cup.
Everton
are 11th in the Premier League and their hopes of winning a trophy ended when
they lost their FA Cup semifinal to Manchester United. Martinez said he
appreciated why his future at Everton was being questioned.
"I
understand it completely because I never felt that being Everton manager is a
manager to be judged by being in an average position," he told a news
conference on Thursday.
"I
always encourage huge expectations. As a football club we have to drive to
challenge for silverware and the top four, and when you aren't there the
scrutiny needs to be there," he said.
"The
signs are there but we aren't the finished article. I'm more capable now to
find the final adjustments to make us better."
Asked
about reports that Everton supporters were planning to protest during
Saturday's Premier League clash with Bournemouth, Martinez called for unity.
"The
message (to the fans) is we are all hurting together. I understand their
passion and as a football club they make us what we are. Football without
passion makes no sense.
"But...only
when you get through those difficult experiences and those painful moments do
you get a renewed drive to fight more than ever and find a way of challenging
for silverware."
Martinez
confirmed that the injured trio of Phil Jagielka, Seamus Coleman and Gareth
Barry would miss the visit of 14th-placed Bournemouth, along with suspended
defender Ramiro Funes Mori.
0 Comments