Seasons » 2015-16 » Everton News
Deulofeu calls on players to respond during big week


Roberto Martinez faces what he, in his own words, describes as a "defining week" for him and his Everton team as they face rivals Liverpool in the Merseyside derby at Anfield tomorrow evening and then Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday.
The Blues haven't won a game since knocking Chelsea out in the last round of the cup and the manager has come under increasing fire for results and performances.
Deulofeu, who has been struggling for form in recent weeks, argues that the players need to shoulder more of the blame but says this week is a chance to stand together and do well.
“The manager's work is good,” the Spanish winger said to Sky Sports News. “I think the problem is the players. Not the problem [so much but] we need to stay together and all take responsibility because the manager isn't on the pitch.
“It's a difficult position. Now we have a great week with the derby and the FA Cup and in my opinion, myself, I am happy with my coach.”
Deulofeu hasn't been able to impose himself in games recently, his form mirroring that of the Everton team in general lately but he dreams of throwing off those frustrations by becoming a derby hero for the Toffees at Anfield tomorrow.
"The derby is an amazing day," he told evertontv. "For me, it's the most important game because we're in the same city and Everton want to win at Anfield because it has been a lot of years with no win there.
"But if we're calm and relaxed we can win there because we have a lot of good players. Playing at Anfield is difficult because Liverpool have a good team, but we go there with good confidence because Everton are Everton.
"My first derby was amazing, the 3-3. I came on in the second half and the game was incredible. I think for Evertonians, if we win at Anfield they will be so happy. It's so important for Evertonians and for the players. I hope that on Wednesday that I play, score and help the team to win.
"For me, it's a good opportunity. My confidence now is less than two or three months ago because I think my season up to then was really good and I played well.
But I'm ready to help the team and if the gaffer's decision is to put me in the starting XI, I will go into both games with maximum energy."
Reader Comments (25)
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2 Posted 19/04/2016 at 15:13:13
He did have a good World Cup as well.
4 Posted 19/04/2016 at 15:44:27
Over-rated, over-hyped... anyone can have a bad game but lack of effort is unforgivable. And moaning after every challenge... you should be ashamed.
6 Posted 19/04/2016 at 16:29:36
The supporters are right with you, Del, but you have to show a bit of fight, guts and heart. I would think most supporters are fed up with excuses etc from players and the manager at this stage.
7 Posted 19/04/2016 at 16:38:04
8 Posted 19/04/2016 at 16:43:26
"Yes Leader!!"
9 Posted 19/04/2016 at 16:45:49
Mo Besic had a word with the fans last week, but he's been non- existent on the pitch the last few games, now it's Deulofeu's turn and he's been awful for months.
Madness!
10 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:06:52
11 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:11:06
12 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:17:24
13 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:19:20
14 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:27:42
Not even believable and usually after he's got past his man!!
Man up, Delboy, and get some fire to match your skill and then you will be a player!
15 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:28:24
It's just spin doctoring. Bainesy went off script and spoke his mind to media furore! Young players like Mo and Geri are just repeating what they practised saying five minutes beforehand.
At times like this, the club is trying to give off a "we're all in this together" vibe... problem is, Evertonians can see through the bullshit and it ain't working.
Shall we have a bet who the next player is that comes out with home form/away form, not just the managers fault, we're all in this together, have to learn from our mistakes........ and on and on. Same bullshit, different day!
16 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:34:13
Lets see if they're still chokers or can be winners. They all owe us tomorrow and Saturday. All of them.
17 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:52:39
If you are a player that can't motivate yourself for a derby or semi final at Wembley then you really should question your profession and if football is right for you.
Deulofeu will have to show up tomorrow.
He's a player we are looking at to really make something happen out there tomorrow night and he's going to have to grow a thicker skin because hard tackles, pressing and plenty of stick and abuse from the stands will come thick and fast.
We don't need him disappearing into a dark corner sulking.
18 Posted 19/04/2016 at 18:00:37
19 Posted 19/04/2016 at 18:39:55
21 Posted 19/04/2016 at 19:04:31
22 Posted 19/04/2016 at 19:14:20
It's just spin doctoring. Bainesy went off script and spoke his mind and media furore! Young players like Mo and Gerry are just repeating what they practised saying five minutes beforehand.
Biggest load after garbage I read on here for a while.
24 Posted 19/04/2016 at 19:41:51
Hey presto, they're then in the EPL on mega bucks!
What else are they gonna say of The Incredible One?
25 Posted 19/04/2016 at 20:02:21
I'm not saying they literally read a script I'm saying the club realize a shitstorm is whipping up around the club and manager so they formulate a PR strategy to put out publically.
In that context I would suggest the players are given guidelines and advice about what they say in interviews. Baines never said anything wrong we all mostly agreed with what he said. Yet apparently was made to apologise, why? He spoke his own mind rather than follow what he was advised to say, I would suggest.
How else do explain the same stuff being said over and over? From different players? Martinez being the worst of the lot, he wouldn't have looked out of place stood next to Tony Blair talking about weapons of mass destruction he's that smooth!
Anyway that's my view Rob. What do you think then?
26 Posted 19/04/2016 at 21:19:23
28 Posted 19/04/2016 at 23:33:19
30 Posted 20/04/2016 at 09:39:23
32 Posted 20/04/2016 at 13:01:47
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1 Posted 19/04/2016 at 15:08:19
Yes, but 'his work' is 'flawed'.