Roberto Martinez: "Everton prepared for City test"

Everton welcome Manchester City to Goodison Park on Sunday, and Roberto Martinez has spoken to the media ahead of the game.

He spoke about how prepared his team is, injuries and fitness and also transfer rumours ahead of the game.

Southampton brought back the feel good factor

After the 3-0 win against Southampton last week, many compared that performance to a 2013/14 Everton performance. Martinez himself stated that the result brought the “feel good factor” back to everybody.

Martinez also believes that the game helped his team “hit a level” that they have to maintain if Everton are to win their upcoming games. The Blues face tough tests against Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham after the Manchester City game.

Martinez unaware of Stones transfer request

Recent media reports had suggested that John Stones had handed in a transfer request but Martinez says that isn’t the case. The boss said that he is “unaware” of any request and that Everton’s stance hasn’t changed.

Martinez has dug in since Chelsea made their first bid for Stones earlier this summer. Martinez even said that there is no situation where Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has to accept an offer perceived to be “too good to turn down.”

On the opposition, Manchester City

Martinez was complimentary of Everton’s opponents this weekend. He said that Manchester City are a “very good side” that look “fully refreshed.”

He also said that his side are going to have be at their “best” but that they are very much “looking forward” to playing the Premier League’s quickest starters.

Manchester City have played two games and have won both by a 3-0 scoreline, including beating Chelsea last weekend.

Injuries and fitness

Martinez said that Everton have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game and that Kevin Mirallas should be “100% ready” to play against Manchester City.

Everton are still without Leighton Baines, Darron Gibson and Steven Pienaar for the foreseeable future.