clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Everton at Manchester City: Roberto Martinez Pre-Match Quotes

The skipper returns but Besic and Mirallas are out, reveals Martinez

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

With his side potentially 90 minutes away from a trip to Wembley, Roberto Martinez sat down with the media for his press conference ahead of the Toffees' trip to Manchester City.

After the disappointing display on Sunday, the gaffer was quick to urge his squad to react Wednesday evening; "Of course the disappointments are painful at the moment because the results haven't reflected the football we are playing,"

"We've really enjoyed the Capital One Cup this season. Tomorrow is a momentous day and we're looking forward to taking 8,000 fans with us."

"The league game was different. Tomorrow is a one-off, a huge occasion and one we must be prepared for."

Roberto was asked would his side's mentality change, taking a lead to the Etihad (any of us could have answered that one).

"We won't approach the game any differently. We want to win the game on the night."

During the disappointment at Goodison on Sunday, both Muhamed Bešić and Kevin Mirallas suffered injuries that forced them to be substituted.

"As we expected, Mo Bešić and Kevin Mirallas won't be available tomorrow. We will have a bit more detail [about their injuries] today when both players will be reassessed."

The Everton manager did however confirm that his skipper would return after being rested against Swansea City,

"Phil is a very important player and we have to remember that he was out for a long time. It's a real opportunity for us to have Phil Jagielka refreshed and fully fit going into tomorrow's game. We need to make sure we use the squad wisely and well."

The Spaniard confirmed Joel Robles would return in goal and continued discussing team news by saying:

"There was good news in terms of Seamus Coleman coming on [against Swansea] and showing no effects of being injured. He looks fully fit and we look forward to him participating in the squad. Coleman, Cleverley and Pienaar came through the game really well. James McCarthy should be available and we need to finalise tonight what role he has to play tomorrow."

Finally, it wouldn't be a press conference in January without a question about transfers, to which Martinez said:

"At the moment there is nothing to mention. Obviously the window is still open until 1 February but there is nothing to be mention. ]There are no updates on any] ins and outs"