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Gerard Deulofeu happy with Everton manager Roberto Martinez

By Gerard Brand

Tuesday 19 April 2016 07:15, UK

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Gerard Deulofeu has backed Everton manager Roberto Martinez and called on his team-mates to show more responsibility

Gerard Deulofeu insists he is happy with Everton manager Roberto Martinez, and says the players need to take more responsibility for their poor form.

Everton currently sit 11th in the Premier League, 19 points off the top four, and have drawn the joint-most games in the division this season.

It is underachievement in the eyes of the Spaniard, but he insists the season can turn around with a win in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night, live on Sky Sports 1 HD, as well as a victory at Wembley over Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.

Everton players celebrate the goal scored by Ramiro Funes Mori
Image: Everton are currently sitting 11th in the Premier League

Deulofeu told Sky Sports News HQ in an exclusive interview: "The manager's work is so good. We need to stay altogether and all take responsibility, because the manager does not play on the pitch.

"Yes, it is a difficult position, but now is no time to think about this, we have a nice week with the derby and the chance to reach the FA Cup final. In my opinion I am happy with my coach.

Everton fans display a message for Roberto Martinez
Image: Everton fans display a message for Roberto Martinez

"This week is the most important, because the results have been bad this season, and we stay in a bad position, and we have a chance in the FA Cup.

"It's so important, and we need to go to the semi-final with confidence, and first we need to play at Anfield together, to win and take three points."

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Everton support team carry off a pitch invaider during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Southampton at
Image: Everton support team carry off a pitch invader during the 1-1 draw against Southampton on Saturday

Deulofeu is at Everton on a permanent deal following a loan spell from Barcelona in the 2013/14 season, but the La Liga side still have a buy-back clause on the 22-year-old.

He insists he loves the club and wants to stay put for now, and offered his own explanation for their poor form this campaign.

Gerard Deulofeu celebrates scoring Everton's third goal during the Barclays Premier League match against Stoke City
Image: Spanish midfielder Deulofeu insists he loves the club

Asked how much he wants to stay at Everton for the long run, Deulofeu said: "A lot, because all the time I say I love Everton, I love the fans.

"We have a chance in the FA Cup and we need to take this chance. But I love Everton and for the moment I am a player for Everton but for the future I do not know. I'm so happy here.

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"I think we played well in the first half of the season, but I think we concede a lot of goals. When we are winning 1-0 or 2-0, maybe we don't take responsibility together and say: 'Now it is time for defence together and no conceding'.

"Now we are in 11th position and it is so difficult to arrive at the European positions. It's difficult because all the teams in the Premier League are difficult to play against."

Watch the extended interview with Deulofeu on Sky Sports News HQ from 6am on Tuesday

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