Martinez : no easy draw for Blues in Europa League

Everton FC manager Roberto Martinez insists there is no easy draw for Blues in Europa League

But Martinez excited as Everton FC await draw for Europa League knock-out stages



Roberto Martinez believes there is no easy draw for Everton in the Europa League last 32 – but is glad to have home advantage in the second leg.

The Blues discover their opponents for the first knockout round of the competition today when the draw is made at UEFA headquarters in Nyon.

Potential opposition includes European giants Roma and Ajax.

There’s also the possibility of an all-British tie against Celtic, the chance to settle an old score against Villarreal or a tough task against current holders Sevilla, whose squad includes former Blues loanee Gerard Deulofeu.

“I think we did what we had to do, which was to make sure the second leg is at Goodison,” Martinez said. “I think in the draws there’s not much you can do – you’re just in the laps of the Gods to see who you get.



"I think the competition at this stage becomes really strong and very glamorous with the eight clubs coming from the Champions League, so whoever we get we’ll look forward to it and it will be a terrific experience. But we’re happy we’ve at least done our bit to get that second leg at Goodison.”

Everton cannot be pitted against Liverpool, although the two rivals could meet in the last 16 when it then becomes an open draw.

On the possibility of a Merseyside derby later down the line, Martinez added: “You can imagine that the two clubs representing the city in the same European competition is always positive.

“We’re representing the city and that’s a great footballing responsibility, so we’ll see where that takes us.”