Roberto Martinez asks Everton fans to back team in vital week
Tuesday 19 April 2016 16:47, UK
Roberto Martinez has urged Everton’s disgruntled supporters to get behind the team in a defining week in their season
Everton cross Stanley Park for the Merseyside derby on Wednesday followed by a trip to Wembley at the weekend to take on Manchester United in an FA Cup semi-final.
The club's poor home form has resulted in growing discontent among some of their fans but Martinez has pleaded for their support and denied the Wembley trip is a distraction before the clash with Liverpool.
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"The message is that we understand that nobody can be happy about the form at home, but we are doing everything we can do. We need the fans in the semi-final," said Martinez.
"The Merseyside derby brings an extra spice and we're looking forward to testing ourselves against the neighbours. The focus, I guarantee, is on the Merseyside derby. The focus will be solely on that game."
The Toffees have won just four Premier League matches at Goodison Park this season, compared to a record of just two defeats on the road.
"It is quite a unique situation," Martinez said.
"It's very rare to see a team so consistent away from home. It's Champions League form away from home. It's going to be an important assessment at the end of the season.
"I'll take responsibility for it. We have to achieve that away form at home."
Everton will be without defenders Phil Jagielka and Seamus Coleman at Anfield, while there are question marks over the fitness of Leighton Baines, Aaron Lennon and Tom Cleverley.
Skipper Jagielka and full-back Coleman have hamstring injuries and could also miss Saturday's Wembley semi-final.
"Phil Jagielka and Seamus Coleman will be definitely out of the derby," confirmed Martinez. "I think it's too early to make a final decision before the weekend.
"We're going to assess Aaron Lennon, Leighton Baines and Tom Cleverley ... They are very close and we'll have a better idea if they are available tomorrow."
