Martinez - God told me to go to Everton (ok not quite lol)

Roberto Martinez believes the footballing gods steered him to Goodison Park.

He will be taking charge of the Blues in a Merseyside derby for the first time this weekend when Liverpool make the short journey across Stanley Park.

But in May 2012, a year before taking the reins at Everton, Martinez held talks with Liverpool owner John W Henry over the vacant managerial position at Anfield in the wake of Kenny Dalglish’s departure. The Spaniard remained with Wigan Athletic that summer.

“It's been a question asked many times,” Martinez told evertontv when quizzed on the subject of the discussions that took place between him and the Toffees’ neighbours.

“Things in life happen for a reason and it was well-documented that summer. It was a time of trying to find out what was next from my point of view and Wigan Athletic at that time.

“Everything ended up that it wasn't the right time or the right move. I always believe everything in football and life happens for a reason and I am extremely proud and honoured to be manager of Everton.”

Liverpool later appointed Brendan Rodgers who, like Martinez, enjoyed a great deal of success as manager of Swansea City.

Martinez is credited with creating the blueprint for the Swans’ attractive brand of football – a model that was continued by Rodgers and, most recently, current boss Michael Laudrup.

“I'm sure it [Swansea] was a big part of Brendan Rodgers' management career,” Martinez said of the pair’s shared vision for how football should be played.

“In my time at Swansea, we started a way of bringing a different way of playing. It wasn't an easy introduction in 2007 but since that point, I think it was a philosophy that has been part of the club since.

“I think Brendan followed that through in that style so we share many aspects of the game, down to the same convictions.

“That is a good chapter, to share the same squad of players and the same team working towards the same aim.”

Source: Everton