Everton boss Roberto Martinez has admitted that his side are not ready for the Champions League yet.
The Toffees accumulated the most points they have ever achieved in the Premier League following their 2-0 win over Hull City on the final day and, as a result, sealed fifth place in the table.
Martinez believes that the Europa League will provide the perfect building block for the club to further develop next season.
He told reporters: "There is no frustration about not being in the top four because, to be honest, we are not ready for the Champions League for many reasons.
"The introduction to European football, to get ready for the demands of travelling around Europe, is better with the Europa League.
"If we can qualify for the group stages of the Europa League and finish with over 70 points, it would be a season to be extremely proud of."
Everton last competed in the Europa League in the 2009-10 season.
Simon Sinclair
