Martinez: This season has been ‘very enigmatic’

Sarah Winterburn

Everton manager Roberto Martinez says this summer is going to be “massive” for the club after a “very enigmatic” season which has seen them lose eight games at Goodison Park so far.

Martinez has been talking to Jamie Carragher for the Daily Mail, once again defending his record and his  commitment to possession football over being defensively sound.

The Toffees are currently 11th but their away record is better than that of Manchester United, while only relegated Aston Villa have fewer points from home games.

“Is this a massive transfer window coming up? It is. Massive. Probably as big as the summer window in 2013. We have to be stronger at the end of it,” said Martinez.

“There have been changes internally, with the new shareholder Farhad Moshiri. That is going to bring a huge amount of possibilities. We are hurting. We gave our all in the FA Cup semi-final and didn’t get what we deserved but the support was incredible. It has given us the perfect stimulant to go on and achieve next season.

“When I arrived here three years ago the squad needed fresh blood and regeneration. We haven’t had the finances that other clubs have. All we have done is try to generate our own money and be clever with how we sold assets. You have to learn through painful experiences.

“In the first year we had a really good mixture. We got 72 points, a club record in the Premier League. In the second season, we were the last British team to be knocked out of Europe, defeating Wolfsburg home and away in the process.

“This season has been really enigmatic. We have been able to perform away from home and our stats are very strong. But at home? Eight defeats is unacceptable. It kills your season. But it hasn’t been because of a lack of style or a lack of talent. The second half against Manchester United (at Wembley) showed what we are as a team.

“We are not going to be a team that is just going to be solid, that keeps a clean sheet and waits for a chance to score. We have been built to take control of the game, to break teams down from open play. That is something I get a real joy from.”