After being knocked out of the Capital One Cup at the hands of Manchester City, Everton boss Roberto Martinez is targeting FA Cup glory.
The Spaniard is looking at the game against Carlisle United as a chance to “switch on” and set another target to achieve this season.
Martinez on critics
Martinez has found himself under fire from Everton supporters after a failure to win in five Premier League games including throwing away a two goal lead against Chelsea and failing to hold on to a point against Stoke City at home.
The Blues boss said his side pointed out the obvious by saying his side haven’t “reached the level of winning constantly” but this group of players is “exciting” and has the potential to win something. Martinez says he won’t shy away from criticism and that he puts the most pressure on himself.
Martinez says he shares the frustration of the fans in regards to Blues lack of wins and that his sides football has “deserved more.”
That process of getting back to winning ways isn’t going to be straightforward for Martinez who’s side have now conceded more goals at home than anybody else in the Premier League. The Toffees struggle defensively and their attacking play can look stagnant at times, with a lack of movement against teams who set up in a compact manner.
Martinez on refereeing decisions
Everton are able to point to a number of key refereeing decisions that have gone against them this season, most notably John Terry’s goal to secure a point for Chelsea and on Wednesday night when Raheem Sterling ran the ball out of play which led to Kevin De Bruyne’s goal.
The Blues boss says that the league needs “clarity on decisions that leave you gobsmacked” and that the way the Toffees went out of the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night was “hurtful” because of the missed decision.
Martinez says he is looking to speak to referee chief Mike Riley about the decisions that have gone against him. The Blues boss did this in his previous spell at Wigan Athletic when his side where unfortunate not to be awarded some key penalty decisions.
Injuries and fitness
James McCarthy, Tom Cleverley and Seamus Coleman all played a part in the game against Manchester City and are set to return to full first team duties.
Kevin Mirallas is set for a fitness test ahead of Sunday’s cup tie but there was no update on Muhammed Besic’s injury.