Roberto Martinez says Everton FC won't run out of energy in strenuous September
Roberto Martinez during Everton's clash with Arsenal at Goodison
Roberto Martinez is already relishing a strenuous September for Everton FC – despite concerns over the match fitness of some members of his squad.
The Blues boss believes that a frenetic fixture schedule of seven matches in 23 days can help rather than hinder his squad, despite his side fading alarmingly in their opening two Premier League matches.
An international break follows this weekend’s visit of Chelsea to Goodison.
But the Blues then enter a busy schedule which includes trips to Anfield and Old Trafford, two Europa League dates and a Capital One Cup tie.
Martinez, however, is ready to embrace the challenge.
“I think it is an intelligent way to get fit by playing games and I think it’s important we embrace European competition,” he said. “We don’t need to be fearful.
“In September we’re going to have seven games in three weeks and we’re looking forward to using that as part of our training.
“We’re making sure we get the balance right and getting individuals fully fit.
“As a team we’re very, very excited about playing in Europe as well as the three other competitions domestically.”
Everton will discover their Europa League opponents at Friday’s draw in Nyon, while the draw for the third round of the Capital One Cup is made tomorrow. The European draw, in particular, will be eagerly awaited.
Holders Seville, old rivals Fiorentina and European heavyweights Dinamo Kiev are already in the draw, while names like Villarreal, Feyenoord, Spurs, Borussia Moenchengladbach and Panathinaikos are set to join them after this week’s play-off round.
Steven Naismith has plenty of experience of European football.
The Scot made his Champions League debut for Glasgow Rangers at the Nou Camp against Barcelona in November 2007, while in 2010 he scored Rangers’ first winning goal in 12 Champions League matches against Bursaspor.
He has hit the ground running for the Blues this season with goals in his opening two matches and Martinez has stressed his importance.
“It’s not just his goalscoring, his contribution is important,” said Martinez. “I have said many times he is such an intelligent footballer. That helps a lot in the way you want to approach games, the way you want to prepare for games. From the first day he has been physically at a fantastic level.
“He understands the game down to a tee in terms of what is needed on the pitch. I am delighted to see him scoring goals but I’m even more delighted to see the manner in which he is performing.”
