Wednesday, June 5, 2013

From Championship to the Champions League! Martinez vows to lead Everton into the big time after signing four-year deal

Roberto Martinez has promised to bring Champions League football to Everton after being confirmed as manager.
Introducing former Wigan boss Martinez as David Moyes's successor, at a press conference at Goodison Park, chairman Bill Kenwright said: 'It's difficult to spell out what we are aiming for, because I don't want to put a jinx on Roberto. But when David Moyes came here, we were in a spot of bother, but he said to me, "Don't worry, you are not going down."
'Those were his first words to me, before he had even been appointed, and I can tell you that virtually the first thing Roberto said to me was, "I will get you into the Champions League."

'That is an extraordinary statement for a man who doesn't know all that much about the club. Not about its internal workings, anyway. But it just showed he has obviously studied what we have been doing and recognised David's massive achievements.
'It is four weeks ago today that David told me he wanted to take the Manchester United job, and in that time I have met some of the finest people anywhere in football. I can honestly say the finest of the lot is sitting next to me today.'
'When we met, he talked me through how he beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final. He wrote on a card and explained everything. I was actually there at Wembley to see him in action and study his methods. I am seriously excited that he has agreed to be the next manager of Everton Football Club.'
Martinez replaces Moyes, who left for Manchester United last month, and was officially unveiled at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
He said: 'It is a real special day to come to Everton and have this feeling already of excitement and honour and I'd like to thank the chairman (Bill Kenwright) for this opportunity,' Martinez said.
'There is huge pressure but I am extremely proud of that pressure because it means what David Moyes did in 11 years is set high standards and lay an incredible platform.
'I feel lucky to be able to carry on that work. He has given Everton an identity and an incredible standard and all I want to do is be humble and hard-working enough to take this magnificent job to the next level.'
'The chairman hasn't put any pressure on me,' Martinez added. 'We have a very strong team and over the next few months we need to get together and make sure we are a winning side. 
'Finishing in the top six was magnificent for Everton but we need to achieve more.
'There are six (Premier League) teams who are competing at a different financial level to the others.
'What is true is not always you need the money to achieve your aims.'The aim for Everton should be to get into the Champions League. That doesn't mean next season but that has to be the aim for the future. It is not going to happen overnight. In football you need to be creative, find a way to be creative.
'We want to be involved in Europe and the Champions League, and we have to have the dream to fight for.'
On Monday, Everton agreed a £1.5million compensation package with Wigan, opening the door for the 39-year-old to take the reigns at Goodison Park.
Martinez will bring with him assistants Graeme Jones and Kevin Reeves, along with goalkeeping coach Inaki Bergara and conditioning coach Richard Evans in a new-look backroom team that may yet find room for Phil Neville, Alan Stubbs or David Weir.
Toffees chief Bill Kenwright had held talks with a number of candidates including Porto's Vitor Pereira and Red Bull Salzburg general manager Ralf Rangnick, yet ultimately Martinez's Premier League experience helped sway the decision.
Although the fact Martinez took Wigan down last season understandably concerned Kenwright, the manner of their FA Cup final victory and the free-flowing attractive football they regularly produce has proved tempting for the theatre impresario.
Martinez will immediately look to recruit some of his Wigan side with striker Arouna Kone and midfielders James McCarthy and Callum McManaman on his wishlist.
Former Everton striker Kevin Campbell believes Martinez will be 'a breath of fresh air' after Moyes' more regimented approach.
'The way he plays the game, the fans are going to like the style, and I think the players are going to improve, and that's really important,' he said.
'Everton have wonderfully gifted players and I think he will give them a new lease of life.'
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, meanwhile, has made an approach for Hull City manager Steve Bruce to replace Martinez. 
Bruce, 52, has twice been Wigan manager before - for two months in 2001 and again between 2007 and 2009. 
It would be a surprise move given Bruce has just guided Hull back into the Premier League, with Wigan relegated to the Championship.

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