Martinez believes Everton can win the league next season
Everton manager Roberto Martinez says that his Everton side can take some inspiration from their city rivals and aim to win the league next season.
Martinez believes that Liverpool have shown that anything is possible in the pursuit of the league title and says that they have shown that if you concentrate and are positive then anything is possible and that they will aim to win the league, despite not having the finances of the traditional Sky 4.
“This team is capable of competing with anyone,” said Martinez. “What Liverpool have done this season is open up the perception of everyone and show you should be able to expect – or try – to win the league with a strong team.
“It’s not like at the start of the season and people are telling you you’ve not a chance of winning the league because last season you finished seventh or whatever, or because you haven’t got the finances of others.
“This season they’ve shown if you concentrate on what you do, if you’re strong and good enough at what you do, you have an opportunity.”
Asked whether it was now or never to get in the Champions League for Everton, Martinez didn’t feel that was the case.
“I don’t see it that way,” said Martinez, who will be without Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka at St Mary’s. “Whoever finishes fifth this season will be the unluckiest team never to get Champions League football because of their points total.
“And it’s going to get harder and harder. Look at the teams missing out and currently sixth and seventh. You’d be expecting Spurs and Manchester United to be fighting for the top four.
“It’s just the nature of the competition. Look at the tally and you won’t see a league in world football where the difference between winning the title and finishing fifth is so close.”
After today’s showdown with Southampton, Everton host Manchester City on May 3 and then travel to Hull on the final weekend of the season. Martinez believes they will reach the top four if they win all three, adding: “We can get there if we win our games.”
Do you think Everton stand a chance of winning the league next season? Comment below of have your say on our Everton Forum
Is it possible …. yes …given a lot of the football we’ve played this season. But without major additions to the squad, then no. With an impending Europa Cup programme that will be draining on resources and stamina it is, in all likelihood, going to be too much for us. I hope the 7 players coming in, being touted in the media, is true, because we’ll need at least that amount just to get on the boundaries of the CL places again next season. But you’ve just got to love bobby’s optimism!