Everton legend Neville Southall has backed Roberto Martinez to be a success at the club despite coming under pressure in his second season, reports the Daily Express.
SEE MORE
Everton transfer news
Man City plan MEGA Liverpool & Everton raids as Etihad Stadium side look to spend big
Tim Howard labels Everton exit talk as CRAZY as keeper is linked with MLS return
The Catalan boss has found it difficult to repeat the success he had in his first season with the Toffees, in which they finished the season with 72 points. It was their highest ever total in the Premier League era. However, despite success in Europe, the Blues have found themselves just six points above the relegation zone with nine games left in the season.
Former Wales star Southall has said that Martinez is better than his predecessor David Moyes, labelling the Scot’s football as boring – a contrast to how the Merseyside club have become a much more possession based team under their current boss.
Southall said: “What people have to remember is that under David Moyes, the football was boring. It was defensive football really and people were crying out for a change. I was one of them. When Roberto came in it was a breath of fresh air because he went and attacked everyone.
“I don’t think for a minute Everton will go down. They will get through this season and it could be the best thing that’s ever happened to them. They have had a good season under Roberto and now a s*** season, so let’s see the real Everton. It could be real motivation for next season.”
He continued: “The type of football Roberto plays is not wrong for Everton. It is right for Everton. Sometimes it maybe doesn’t go forward quickly enough and that is the only thing I would say. If I have someone like (Romelu) Lukaku, I don’t want him with his back to goal.
“I was doubtful when Roberto first arrived because of Wigan. But he is not Mike Walker (Everton manager in 1994) because he knows something about football. He has a deep knowledge of football. He knows what he wants.”
Everton play against Dynamo Kiev on Thursday as the last British club in Europe. They won the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie 2-1 at Goodison Park.