allaboutthesox said:
Couldn't disagree any more (with all due respect). When I think that the Porto manager (Vito Peirera) was available for the hire, it only stings that we hired Martinez. Martinez has a career win percentage of 37% and a results percentage (wins+draws/total games) of around 65%. His results percentage isn't bad, but to qualify for the Champions League one will need more wins than just results.
Mirallas may prosper with Martinez, but Jelavic lacks the confidence to do well. If Anichebe can progress over the summer and stay healthy during the first part of the season. Jelavic may see a lot bench/sub duty. I am not sure this was the right hire, but hopefully I will be wrong.
Quoted myself as to show that even though I was very skeptical of the hire and didn't think he was the right one. So far, I am glad to say I was wrong.
soxfan121 said:
So...how's the Roberto Martinez Era working out so far?
NBCSN's announcers made a big deal out of the contrast between Moyes' years of comments about playing at Old Trafford ("be responsible, try to grind out a result") and Martinez's approach ("make something positive happen; too easy to lose a 'grind it out' affair away"). I thought Everton out worked ManU - they weren't better, they just worked harder. And they seemed more fit, having more 'gas in the tank' in the late stages while guys like Vidic were sucking wind (although, to be fair, ManU plays more often).
I have had several posts in regards to the Martinez Era and how it has worked out. It has been a steady stream of progression and the players are 'buying in' to his method of playing football. Oviedo has been a bit of a relevation, but I have always thought that if given the chance he may shine. Is he a Baines replacement? I don't really think so, but if Baines were to leave I think Martinez could relax while Oviedo could fill in admirably. I do tend to enjoy the way Martinez seems to be more of tactician with his substitutions and he definitely has a plan as to how he wants things to be done.
I do like the fact that he allows the younger players to embrace their talents (Coleman, Barkley) and play to their strengths within his system. Barkley has grown a lot under Martinez, but even Martinez realizes with that comes risk. Barkley has been a bit prone to dribbling too much at times. Rather than getting frustrated and sending him out on loan, only to bring him back a month later (Moyes). He [Martinez] allows him to work through it. I do enjoy the fact that Martinez forces Ross to sit sometimes as to conserve him for the long grind of the season.
The only thing that concerns me is how will Martinez handle Everton when our three biggest signings (Lukaku, Deulofeu, Barry) go back to their respective clubs? Those three players alone have had a major impact to Everton's success (Deulofeu much later in the season). Lukaku has mentioned he may want to extend his stay at Everton, but Mourinho has already said "no" to that idea. To be honest with you I am not sure Everton could afford his transfer fee, unless they save their money from Fellaini and the Anichebe sale. Deulofeu does have a clause in his loan that would allow him to extend his loan another year. Barry, on the other hand, may be available. However, I cannot see Everton wanting to continue to pay those type of wages.
One last thing, I am a bit concerned about the amount of draws that Everton has. It is nice to get them (and a win every now and then) against the 'big' clubs, but Everton is going to need to convert some of those wins into 3 points to have a chance at competing for a UEFA spot. It is still very early, but I am impressed and hoping the team gets better as the season goes along.