Europa League

Everton boss Roberto Martinez insists Europa League not a "hindrance"

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 13 March 2014

Everton manager Roberto Martinez insists that his team will "fight" for a European place after claiming that the Europa League is not a "hindrance".

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has insisted that qualifying for the Europa League would be a "massive step forward" for the Merseyside outfit.

The Toffees are currently five points adrift of a European spot in the Premier League table with 11 games left to play in their campaign.

Some clubs that have competed in the second-tiered European tournament have complained about how the number of games and travelling takes a toll on their players, but Martinez has claimed that his team will "fight" to grab a place.

"I don't see the Europa League as a hindrance," BBC Sport quotes Martinez as saying. "It would be very easy for us to say that.

"I think qualifying for us would be a massive step forward, it would bring big occasions that I think we need so clearly, it is a big objective because it will allow us to grow as a football club.

"The answers are very very clear. If you are asking me, 'can we get into Europe?', we will fight with everything to do that."

Everton will take on Cardiff City, who are fighting for survival, at Goodison Park on Saturday.