Spaniard will gain his first-ever experience of the Merseyside derby at Goodison on Saturday.
Recently appointed Everton head coach Roberto Martinez has said that he has absolutely no regrets whatsoever about turning down the opportunity to manage city-rivals Liverpool last year, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
The hugely talented Spaniard was head-hunted by the Merseyside giants’ American co-owner John W Henry to be the man to take over from previous boss Kenny Dalglish in the Anfield dugout in the summer of 2012 after the Scot had surprisingly been given the axe.
However, after lengthy and much-publicised talks with Henry in Miami, the then Wigan Athletic coach rejected the chance to become the Reds manager, with some reports suggesting that the 40-year-old was unwilling to work alongside a director of football at Anfield.
And instead, Liverpool then moved for Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers, while Martinez decided to remain at the DW stadium, only for the Latics to be relegated from the Premier League in May 2013, although the popular trainer did manage to steer the minnows to a stunning victory over mega-rich Manchester City in the final of last season’s FA Cup at Wembley Stadium.
But ahead of this weekend’s first Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, Martinez claims: “It wasn’t the right time or the right move.
“I believe everything in football and life happens for a reason – and I am extremely proud and honoured to be Everton manager.”