Premier League remains Everton's priority

Last updated : 18 February 2016 By Footymad

The Toffees have flattered to deceive for much of the campaign and saw a promising little run ended by last week's defeat against West Brom, their sixth at home in the Premier League.

They travel to Bournemouth in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, but boss Martinez insisted qualifying for Europe through the league remains the focus.

Everton sit 11th in the table, five points behind seventh-placed West Ham and six adrift of Manchester United in fifth.

Asked if the cup could be the club's salvation, he said: "No, not at all. First of all we need to look at the league.

"We're going into the final third of the season. That means 36 points to fight for, and we are not far away from the European places. That's what we're going to fight for.

"The team is mentally ready. I think we showed so far this season what we can achieve. In the League Cup, we got into the semi-final.

"I thought we had a really good, brave, double-leg semi-final with Manchester City. We were disappointed not to get through and I think it shows how far the expectations have grown and how far we've come.

"In the FA Cup we are in the fifth round, facing another Premier League side away from home, understanding the difficulties that brings but in the same way very much looking forward to that opportunity."

Martinez has felt the heat from some supporters over Everton's results.

Frustration has mounted that, in a season that has seen the usual suspects struggle, the Toffees have not been able to take advantage in the way that the likes of Leicester, Southampton and West Ham have.

Everton fans were particularly unhappy to see Aaron Lennon substituted against West Brom, but Martinez said of their reaction: " It's not concerning because we are all sharing the same feeling.

"We were the first ones to be frustrated and disappointed with what we were seeing. We were seeing a team dominating and creating chances and not being able to find the back of the net.

"There's nothing wrong with seeing a player appreciated by the crowd but we've got a really strong squad and we have to use that squad.

"I'm in an advantageous position to know what the team needs and how the players feel. But I understand the reaction from the crowd."

Source: PA