Martinez: We will go into City game looking to win it
An Everton result would be a massive boost for Liverpool in their quest for first Premier League title
Roberto Martinez insists Everton FC have no dilemma heading into Saturday’s clash with Manchester City as he vowed: “We won’t drop our standards.”
The Blues are still in faint contention for a top four finish, and victory would maintain those hopes at least until Arsenal face West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. However, avoiding defeat against Manuel Pellegrini’s title-chasing side would also give rivals Liverpool FC a major boost in their own quest to lift the Premier League trophy.
That has prompted talk of mixed feelings among some Evertonians, but Martinez was quick to emphasise that there will be no such conflicted emotions in Goodison’s home dressing room.
He said: “We’ve got such a professional group they wouldn’t dare to drop their standards, first and foremost not to let another team-mate down. But the main thing is that we’re trying to build something special for ourselves.
“We are trying to be as good as we can and it’s not in our nature to try and throw points away or not give everything we can.
“The history and heritage of this club makes the thought of that unacceptable.
“We’ve got too much to fight for. It would be a debate if we were mid table with nothing to play for then that could be a debate. Even then though, it’s not in our nature.”
Roberto Martinez directs his teamRoberto Martinez directs his team
Asked about the prospect of some Goodison fans dreading the ramifications of their own team winning, he said: “I think that's banter. That’s part of the rivalry and I understand it, but what’s more important is the integrity of our club and what we are as a team. If we are helping our neighbours to win something in the end, then it’s better than them winning something without our help.
“We’re not going to drop our standards. If anything it would be a glorious chapter in the history of the two clubs in the city to have a situation when one team helps the neighbours to be successful.
“City will bring everything - and neither side will settle for a draw. The ramifications will make it even more interesting. We must bounce back from last weekend’s feeling and get the same levels as Arsenal and United.
“For us it is important that we can give a proper send-off for our fans in the last home game of the season and we want to give a performance to remember.”
Manchester City’s chances of a second league crown in three years looked out of reach a week ago – but Chelsea’s victory at Anfield last Sunday, coupled with the Citizen’s success away to Crystal Palace, blew the title race wide open. And Martinez says it’s a great advertisement for the standards in the Premier League that there are still three teams fighting for the crown at this point in the season.
“It’s fascinating to have three teams with mathematical possibilities to win the league,” he continued. “It shows the nature of the competition and the margins are very small.”
