Just go for it! Martinez tells Lukaku to keep on attacking

Just go for it! Martinez tells Lukaku to keep on attacking
24 Oct 2013 07:42

Manager unconcerned about striker running out of steam in matches


Romelu Lukaku should forget about pacing himself and continue at full throttle for Everton FC, insists Roberto Martinez .

The powerful Belgium international is trying to work on his ability to last 90 minutes, something he has managed only twice so far this season despite scoring four in five games.

But Martinez is wary of the on-loan forward sacrificing his fearsome intensity in a bid to stay on the pitch for longer.

He said: “I wouldn’t want him to change that intensity. That would be a big mistake. You’ve got two options; reduce the intensity and last over 90 minutes or work slowly over time to expand the quality of his play up to 90 minutes. It’ll take time but that’s what we want to do.

“Last season he only played seven full games with West Brom, and there are other aspects to consider. Firstly his age – he’s still a very young man. Second; the intensity that he plays with, and any player would struggle to hold that longer than 20 minutes.

“Obviously he’s now trying to work towards 90 minutes but it’s more focussing on the quality of his play than the quantity.

“I’m very pleased with the manner he played 90 minutes against Fulham in the cup, and then Newcastle.

“Now it’s a matter of assessing each week. The Hull game was difficult for him because he’d had two tiring games for Belgium that took a lot out of him. It’s just a matter of time as he develops.”

Meanwhile, Martinez has explained the absence of John Heitinga in recent weeks. The Dutch international defender has made just two appearances under the Catalan so far this term, as he struggles to break up a defensive partnership of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin.

Heitinga was not part of the match day squad for the triumph over Hull City at the weekend, and Martinez said that the 29-year-old has picked up a groin injury.

“At the moment John has got a bit of a problem,” he said. “He’s got a worry in his groin and we’re checking that and making sure it’s not a major problem. I know the fans haven’t seen him on the pitch much but he’s been very influential.

“He has a major role behind the scenes in training and helps the youngsters with his experience. All I’m hoping now is to see how he recovers and how quickly he can be fully fit.”

Tickets are now on sale for the Blues’ next Premier League home game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, November 3 (KO 1.30pm). Tickets start from £36 for adults and £18 for Under-16s.

Source: Echo