A true romantic of the beautiful game, you would be hard pressed to find a more stylish manager than Everton’s Roberto Martinez.
The Spaniard has left a lasting mark on each club that he has managed, starting with Swansea’s now famed pass and move style to Wigan’s FA Cup triumph in arguably one of the most satisfying moments in British football’s history.
Question marks were raised over Everton’s decision to hire Roberto Martinez, with some claiming that his relegation with Wigan is often over-looked as a result of being a ‘media-darling’. Nobody is questioning the appointment now.
David Moyes had done a fabulous job at sustaining Everton and keeping them in the top half, but Roberto Martinez looks like he has the tools to take them to the next level.
Everton’s evolution under their new boss arguably started against David Moyes’ Manchester United, as the Toffees finally broke their barren run of failing to beat a fellow top four contender away from home.
The Toffees currently sit in sixth position in the table, eight points behind fourth spot but with a game in hand at Sunderland. With some key Premier League clashes at Goodison Park against Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United still to play, Everton are still within a shot of grabbing a Champions League spot come the end of the season.
But more importantly for the Everton boss is not just winning, but winning in style. Martinez believes that the Barcelona style where entertainment is a key aspect of the game should be embraced, whereas Chelsea’s win at all costs method is not something he wishes to emulate, despite it being a necessity for clubs with bigger budgets.
He said: “When you have clubs with bigger budgets, the only things that matters is winning, isn’t it?”
“You have to win. Your role is judged on winning. I’m a bit more of a romantic. The way we win dictates how far we can go - that’s our position.”
“But I’m in no position to dictate to other clubs. I understand that when you have all the money in the world you are judged on winning. It’s very different.”
“The manager has to just have success on the pitch. Every football club is different. I just think the way you win things is vital for our success.”
Is it possible for a club with restricted resources to achieve success by playing in an expansive way? Yes. Roberto Martinez’s Wigan Athletic fairy-tale proved that – and who is to say he won’t repeat his FA Cup triumph once again this season?
Have Everton improved under Roberto Martinez? Will they reach the top four this season?
