Hull City vs Everton preview - Europa League appeals to Martinez

Posted Saturday, May 10, 2014 by PA

Everton boss Roberto Martinez is welcoming the increased expectation set to surround the club going into 2014/15 and is adamant competing in the Europa League is the perfect "next step" for the Toffees.

The Merseyside outfit have had an impressive first season under Martinez's management and are virtually certain to end it in fifth place in the Barclays Premier League after Sunday's concluding fixture at Hull.

For much of the term, they were in contention for a top-four finish, but with their Champions League hopes now over following three defeats in their last four games, they have the prospect of the Europa League ahead next season instead.

That competition has had many detractors, but Martinez feels the continental campaign is exactly what Everton - last in Europe in 2009/10 - need.

And the Spaniard has stressed the club's eagerness to embrace the challenge of handling those commitments while also striving to satisfy supporters' hopes of continued improvement on the domestic front.

"We are happy to have that expectation," Martinez said.

"I wouldn't be happy with us as a football club to say 'we had a great season, now let's have a bad season'! That is not what we want at Everton.

"I do think I've seen too many negative comments about the Europa League as a competition - I don't agree with that at all.

"I think it is a perfect introduction for us to test ourselves in Europe and our ability to cope with the demands that brings.

"And we don't want to drop our levels in the domestic leagues. So it will be a fascinating season.

"The fans expect the team will give everything on the pitch with real style, swagger and quality football and that will always be our focus."

With 69 points on the board, Everton have already achieved their best-ever Premier League points total.

Martinez insists he will not be happy to start reflecting on the highlights of the campaign properly until it has finished, but is in no doubt it has been a "terrific" season.

"We still have a game and I don't allow myself to look back yet," Martinez said.

"I think it is important we finish strongly on Sunday.

"It has been a terrific season, because to have the amount of points that we have, and the manner in which the team has developed into what we are now, has been exciting to see.

"Young players have had big roles and it has been fascinating.

"But I think we will have enough time after Sunday to look back and make a proper assessment of the season."

He added: "I think the time we have had together has given us real confidence and a real desire to carry on developing.

"I think getting into Europe is exactly the next step we need as a football club to be tested and push ourselves to the next level."

Everton winger Steven Pienaar looks set to return to action on Sunday and the contest could also see striker Lacina Traore make his comeback from injury.

Martinez is optimistic Pienaar, absent for 10 games because of a knee complaint, will be fit to feature but has stressed the need for caution with regard to on-loan frontman Traore, who has had an even longer spell out due to a hamstring problem.

It seems the match will come too soon for the recovering Darron Gibson (knee) to make his first appearance since October, while fellow midfielder Gareth Barry, having been unable to play against his parent club Manchester City last weekend, is eligible for selection again.