adminManager Roberto Martinez does not intend to rest Everton players for tomorrow’s Merseyside derby against Liverpool in the Premier League even though it comes just three days before an FA Cup semifinal with Manchester United. Martinez, confronted by a furious supporter during Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Southampton, is under increasing pressure from fans after erratic performances in the league this season left the club 11th in the table.
“I don’t think you can switch on and off,” Martinez told reporters when asked whether he would prioritise the United game with his team selection for the match away to Liverpool.
“You’ve to perform well before you go to a semi-final. You can’t just say: ‘OK, let’s switch it on. We’re going to play well.’ It doesn’t work like that. You’ve to create a competitive nature in every game you go into.”
Manchester United are also in Premier League action tomorrow when they host Crystal Palace. — Reuters.
Bongani Ndlovu