Gareth Barry’s praise for Everton boss Roberto Martinez
Garry Barry has been paying tribute to Everton manager Roberto Martinez and says he deserves tremendous respect and praise for keeping the Everton squad happy. In particular Barry references Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic (Who has often been a bit part player for the blues under Martinez) who has always kept a smile on his face and scored 2 goals in the four nil thrashing of Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup at the weekend.
Barry said: “I think the manager deserves a lot of credit for that.
“It is important with a squad that you keep the players that haven’t been playing hungry, and Niki is a great example.
“He has had to be really patient, waiting for his chance, and it is not easy to come in sometimes. But he has shown a great hunger and scored twice.
“Niki has been unfortunate with the way Romelu (Lukaku, the striker who is on loan at Everton from Chelsea and has nine goals for the Toffees this season) has come in and played, and with the way the team has been getting results.
“But the manager has kept everyone hungry and he has kept Niki smiling.
“At times it can be tough, but it showed (in the QPR game) that he still wanted to go and do a job for Everton.”
“We don’t know what is going to happen with his (Jelavic’s) future, but the fans have showed their appreciation for him, because he has done a great job for Everton – not just this season, but in years gone by.
“I’d be very surprised if we lose any players. For me, this is one of the best clubs to be learning your trade at the moment – I think all the players will say it.
“They look forward to going to training and working with this manager, and the results have been showing that too.”
Barry is currently on loan with Everton from Manchester City and is out of contract at the end of the current season. Everton currently sit fifth in the Premier League table and only lost twice in the league this season which is the lowest of all the teams. They will face Stevenage Borough away in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
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