Why Everton aren’t in the title race is an unsolved mystery
Published:
Roberto Martinez is still dividing opinions at Everton. A very impressive debut campaign in the Goodison Park dugout was replaced by infuriating inconsistency, a theme which has stalked the Spaniard again in 2015/16.
Although back-to-back Premier League wins have seen a spring return to his step, it’s not only Martinez’s dance moves that have given cause for laughter of late.
His recent gushing over the form of Manchester United castoff Tom Cleverley, proved to be one over exuberant quote too many for the News.LB team.
According to this array of quotes from Martinez this season, he is clearly mismanaging one of the best teams in the world.
By our reckoning, it’s a travesty that the Toffees are not hot on Leicester’s tails, not down in eighth with 25 games in the books.
Take it away Roberto…
Tom Cleverley
“I wouldn’t sell him for any money in the current market. I know Tom really well and I don’t think you can have a better English player with the ability and the experience and the tough lessons that he has had to go through.
“Technically as good as you are going to get. Probably his football understanding as good as you are going to get and that showed today.
Gareth Barry
“One of the best English players ever”
Ross Barkley
“An example to the new generation of English football”
John Stones
“The best footballing centre half in European football”
Romelu Lukaku
“Obviously he [Lukaku] has got that drive, he wants to become the best in the world.”
Gerard Deulofeu
“As a natural talent, he’s as good as it gets. He’s got that talent that you dream to have, he’s got the talent that anyone would pay for a ticket to watch him.”
Tim Howard and Phil Jagielka
“It’s part of the learning process but you look at the experience we had at the back today. Phil Jagielka and Tim Howard showed incredible know-how and guidance to our youngsters. The resilience of the side shows you that we are getting ready for a strong second half of the season.”
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
