Everton vs Manchester United: Roberto Martinez Pre-Match Quotes via Royal Blue Mersey
“We are desperate to get the winning feeling back.” says Martinez
After what he described an embarrassing night at Anfield, some thought and most hoped
Roberto Martinez might not be present for the pre-match press conference Friday morning. However that was never going to be the case and we enjoyed or endured another excellent batting performance from the Spaniard as he took down question by question like a politician.
Naturally after suffering two 4-0 defeats at Anfield in three seasons, the first question was going to be about the growing speculation that Bobby's time at the Goodison helm may be coming to its climax, to which Martinez responded;
"I wouldn't be professional if I was using my time to talk about what people think and what their opinions are about the manager.
"My focus is on the semi-final.
"We've been working very hard since I've been at the football club to challenge for silverware and we have that opportunity with the FA Cup.
"Of course we're going into it hurt but my situation is about us as a football club and how ready we can be.
"In these moments, you need to be very clear and have a strong backing from your own experiences. I've been fortunate in this competition and it's very much about drawing on those experiences.
"Since the quarter-final against
Chelsea, our results have not been good enough but at the moment everything is about the semi-final and about taking this football club to Wembley for the FA Cup final with a strong feeling of being together. We've got a big opportunity to get to a final."
Even before Wednesday's humiliation, there has been a sense of downheartedness with fans and in the team's performances but when asked about a dejected atmosphere within the club, it was rejected by the manager.
"I wouldn't use that word [dejection] I would say we're carrying a lot of hurt.
"We couldn't get to Wembley in the Capital One Cup semi, so we use that as motivation. Nobody at
Everton is taking this lightly.
"Since the quarter final our league results have not been good enough. We have four game left and we will give everything we have.
"What we are is a group that shares incredible togetherness. You are not going to get positive reports when you haven't got a win.
"But now we're looking at the work we had to put in for 10 months to get in this position.
"We are all together. I never see a defeat being down to one individual. Everything we do is to achieve success as a team together."
After the disappointment of the last few weeks, Roberto expects a turnaround based on past experiences, "We've had real lows this season and we've always reacted in a very good manner and taken responsibility.
"We've made the difference in the next game – against West Ham, we conceded three goals in 12 minutes and then beat Chelsea in the quarter-final in the next game," recalled Martinez.
"The team has got enough experience and know-how, it's just trying to get everyone regrouped and focused. We are all together. I never think a bad moment is down to one individual, I don't accept that.
"Now, more than ever, we're going to be closer to each other and the reaction has to be there."
"We don't accept mediocrity. We are not happy with our performances," continued the gaffer.
"We have a strong feeling in the dressing room, we're going to a semi-final at Wembley and we are solely focused on that."
In terms of preparation before a big game like this Martinez feels that "We can't just pretend it's a normal game. It's not. We're fighting to be in the final of a major trophy."
"It [a win] changes the mood of a football club and the confidence of every individual.
"We are desperate to get the winning feeling back."
For team news Martinez was more than useful, "Medically I wouldn't expect Phil [Jagielka] to be fit.
"But knowing Phil he wants to try everything, so we're not going to say no. We will treat his feelings rather than the injury, and see if that shapes up before the game."
"
Seamus Coleman will be missing," he added and continued;
Finally, Roberto was asked about Ramiro Funes Mori and his tackle on Wednesday;
"I had a conversation with Ramiro but the preparation has been about the semi-final. That's water under the bridge now, We've moved on.
"As a team is was a tough moment. We went down to 10, it's not that sort of incident you want. Now we're moving quickly and preparing on the next game. It's too close to dwell."
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