“I think qualifying for the Champions’ League could help to keep young players”, said Martinez, who took charge in 2013.
Advertisement
“The way we played we’re probably going off disappointed that we’re only one goal to the good”, Barry told Sky Sports News.
Martinez was thrilled with the performance of his players and paid tribute to the leadership shown by 34-year-old Barry. “It is no coincidence when we have Gareth Barry around them”.
Lukaku is Everton’s top scorer this season, while Coleman is regarded as one of the best right-backs in the Premier League.
Forget the fact Mesut Ozil ran him ragged in the 2010 World Cup, or that he’s the most booked player in Premier League history, Barry is a true great in Martinez’s eyes.
The Spaniard credited Barry’s influence for the number of young players that had successfully transitioned to Everton’s first team in recent years.
Advertisement
Everton’s first-leg win puts them in with a chance of making next month’s final at Wembley, but Martinez knows the hardest work will come in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on January 26. “I wouldn’t say I don’t want to win silverware, because that is what this club is about and our aim is to have that drive and ambition to do that, but the aim is get into the top four, and that is what we have set out to achieve”. “I am very, very proud of the performance”, said the Everton boss. Internally it shows how far we’ve come and the real intent of this team to be successful. Please note that comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language and will be removed accordingly.
