Roberto Martinez discussion

[Cork Evertonian]

Our target is the top 4 and our trophys say's the manager.We are having two crappy mid table seasons in a row and we just kissed goodbye to another trophy.When you set targets you need to be held accountable for failing to meet them but sure were happy enough to just plod along in mid table eh.

 

[Bob Elstone]

Look at the bigger picture.

Last year the excuse for poor league form was the Europa. We went into the back of a second leg, our entire season riding on a cup who genuinely many of us thought we could go on to win - Martinez nativity lost us that game horrendously and was ultimately a disaster.

This year our league form is arguably just as dreadful, yet we are supposed to be out of 'second season syndrome' and have no europe to battle with. We did ok in the cup to reach a semi-final, and refereeing decisions cost us - but ultimately the line up, tactics and subs during THIS AND PREVIOUS UPCOMING games were diabolical, and to be ignored would be ridiculous.

Nothings changing.

What the hell has Christmas got to do with it? Some people will blame Bobby for anything.

 

[moore06]

Havent seen the post match interview. Who did Roberto lay blame on this time round? Yet to see him lay any blame on himself.

 

[TheFinnFan]

El Bob has a bit of a problem now. Who will he play at Carlisle?

Clearly he will /has to rest some key players because Newcastle game is more important than this one. But if we lose to Carlisle -which could happend with lesser squad - Im afraid there would not be many to defend him. I know I know his job is safe but anyways he must see and feel what dropping out of FA Cup would mean to the fans.

7 days of misery coming up. Jesus Christ.

 

[LAToffee]

Martinez has bought so many players and brought on so many great players. We score great goals under him. Why can't he sort out the defense? Get that one element sorted and we're awesome and, yes, entertaining. But without a decent defense, we are a genuine laughing stock. Joke team. The Blackpool of yore.

 

[LAToffee]

This manager bought Besic, Del, and Mori for buttons when you see their potential. He bought Barry and Lukaku. He brought on Stones and Barkley. The linked up stuff we play going forward is a joy to behold. And we are the keystone cops at the back. So so frustrating!

 

[kithnou]

Martinez has bought so many players and brought on so many great players. We score great goals under him. Why can't he sort out the defense? Get that one element sorted and we're awesome and, yes, entertaining. But without a decent defense, we are a genuine laughing stock. Joke team. The Blackpool of yore.

This manager bought Besic, Del, Mori for buttons when you see their potential. He bought Barry and Lukaku. He brought on Stones and Barkley. The linked up stuff we play going forward is a joy to behold. And we are the keystone cops at the back. So so frustrating!

I know there aren't many around at this international time, but are you having a conversation with yourself there?

 

[LAToffee]

I know there aren't many around at this international time, but are you having a conversation with yourself there?

Ranting to myself really.

 

[kithnou]

Ranting to myself really.

Keep going mate...let it all out

 

[LAToffee]

Keep going mate...let it all out

I can't. The cat's nowhere to be found.

 

[TheHumbleEgg]

Im not calling for anyones head or anything but we wasted a glorious opportunity in Kiev last year and we blew another glorious opportunity last night.We still have the FA cup thankfully but i think it's fair to say that the manager blotted his copybook yet again last night.Anything less than an FA Cup or a top half of the table placing by the end of the season obviously means that the hard questions will have to be asked.Viva the revolution eh.

This isn't having a pop at you or 'owt, can't really as I was thinkin' the same last night but...

But anyway, we're not gonna win the FA CUP, not a chance. And top half could be a struggle also.

So, let's think about that...we're hoping for a top-half finish.

With this squad.

BLIMEY.

 

[wiggum23]

You can't consistently win matches when you concede at the rate we do. His recent comments show he doesn't think much of tight defending and concentrates on style and attack.

I really don't see us turning things around with him in charge, which is a shame as he was a breath of fresh air at the start. Now he is more of a breath of dog crap.

 

[Saint Domingo]

Our league form does not convince me at all. A cup win is a pipe dream.

Our cup form wasn't much better really, Deulofeu singlehandedly dragged us past Barnsley and Reading, then we were abysmal against Norwich but scraped in on pens. The only decent performance of the lot was Boro away. As expected, as soon as we met a top ten side we went out. Would have lost over two legs to any of the semi finalists and that's what happens when you don't value defence.

 

[Shagster]

Our cup form wasn't much better really, Deulofeu singlehandedly dragged us past Barnsley and Reading, then we were abysmal against Norwich but scraped in on pens. The only decent performance of the lot was Boro away. As expected, as soon as we met a top ten side we went out. Would have lost over two legs to any of the semi finalists and that's what happens when you don't value defence.

It's not just his approach to defence though.
We're constantly found out in centre mid, the amount of uncontested 1st/2nd ball by our midfield is criminal. It's as if no one can read /predict the flight of the ball. Barry has been great with his football brain but any team with top 4 aspirations that most fans feel we should be challenging for should not be relying so heavily on a bloke passed his peak at nearly 35. Pressure on defence is reduced with an effective midfield unit.
The bottom line is that we have a few talented individuals who turn up now and again - not a cohesive team unit. All roads lead to Martinez.

 

[maccavennie]

It's not just his approach to defence though.
We're constantly found out in centre mid, the amount of uncontested 1st/2nd ball by our midfield is criminal. It's as if no one can read /predict the flight of the ball. Barry has been great with his football brain but any team with top 4 aspirations that most fans feel we should be challenging for should not be relying so heavily on a bloke passed his peak at nearly 35. Pressure on defence is reduced with an effective midfield unit.
The bottom line is that we have a few talented individuals who turn up now and again - not a cohesive team unit. All roads lead to Martinez.

Your spot on about the uncontested balls, that and the lack of pressing is my main gripe. Standing off just invites pressure and pressure is what we don't deal with very well.

Great teams defend from the front and unfortunately our front two of Lukaku and Barkley for whatever reason are definitely instructed not to close down space and not put a foot in. That gives the opposition time to set themselves and before you know it 3 passes later the opposition have a chance on goal.