Seasons  »  2015-16  »  Everton News

Deulofeu calls on players to respond during big week

19/04/2016  25 Comments  [Jump to last]

Gerard Deulofeu has given his backing to Roberto Martinez, arguing that once they cross the white line, it's up to the players to put his work into action.

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)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer


Damian Wilde
1 Posted 19/04/2016 at 15:08:19
Gerard Deulofeu has given his backing "to Roberto Martinez, arguing that once they cross the white line, it's up to the players to put his work into action."

Yes, but 'his work' is 'flawed'.

Alan J Thompson
2 Posted 19/04/2016 at 15:13:13
I suppose that as the manager hasn't changed his mind for 3 years, at least since leaving Wigan, then it must be the players fault, or the supporters, or the Board... and who's the bloke in the Fat Van?

He did have a good World Cup as well.

Mike Allen
4 Posted 19/04/2016 at 15:44:27
You should have put the fucking effort in months ago... A couple of decent passes in a season and that's you, is it? Step-overs?

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.

Gerard Carey
6 Posted 19/04/2016 at 16:29:36
Another week, another player trots out with this, that and the other. Talk is cheap; get out there and walk the walk.

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.

Paul Olsen
7 Posted 19/04/2016 at 16:38:04
Umm yeah. And a good place to start would be sorting yourself out Gerard. You have been absolutely terrible over the past few games.
Joe Clitherow
8 Posted 19/04/2016 at 16:43:26
Anyone remember the Norman Tebbitt puppet on Spitting Image?

"Yes Leader!!"

Anthony Dwyer
9 Posted 19/04/2016 at 16:45:49
Is it me or does it seem that the latest two players to publicly back Roberto have looked as disinterested as I've seen them throughout there Everton careers.

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!

Colin Oakes
10 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:06:52
Just wish the club would gag the lot of them, but suspect the PR machine is behind all of this trying to deflect direct attention away from RM. Most of what comes out of their mouths does not need to be said anyway. Time would be better spent at the training ground trying to figure out how to win the massive games this week and then those beyond.
Brian Williams
11 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:11:06
Makes me wonder if the players are actually given a script, or told what to say, rather than voicing their own personal opinions... guess the only way to know for sure is to ask a player, or an ex-player.
Ray Robinson
12 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:17:24
He should start by putting some effort in himself, not squealing like a little girl when he gets tackled, not blowing for tugs after 45 minutes and tracking back occasionally.
Brent Stephens
13 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:19:20
How can this guy be so unfit. It's embarrassing once he's into the second half of the game. Didn't we sus this problem before we signed him on loan and then permanently?
John Malone
14 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:27:42
What about his dives???

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!

Dan Davies
15 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:28:24
Brian I said as much in a post yesterday, they're briefed for the Media, that's why you continually hear the same bollox repeated over and over.

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!

Paul Tran
16 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:34:13
They all owe us. Even if the players aren't comfortable (or can't understand?) with what Martinez tells them, they owe us working their knackers off each game. They're not doing it and until they do it regularly, they deserve as much stick as Martinez rightly gets.

Lets see if they're still chokers or can be winners. They all owe us tomorrow and Saturday. All of them.

Jim Bennings
17 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:52:39
You shouldn't need a manager to motivate you for these next two games which are and always have been some of the biggest on the calendar.

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.

Kevin Elliott
18 Posted 19/04/2016 at 18:00:37
Interesting in his last sentence he says: "in my opinion, myself I am happy with my coach".
Andrew Presly
19 Posted 19/04/2016 at 18:39:55
A half-hearted endorsement of the manager there to go with half-hearted displays. It's not looking good, any of this.
Darren Hind
21 Posted 19/04/2016 at 19:04:31
It's not the half-hearted endorsements that have got us where we are, it's the half-witted happy clapping that allowed Martinez to get away with so little for so long.
Rob Halligan
22 Posted 19/04/2016 at 19:14:20
Dan Davies #15. And you know this for a fact, do you?

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.

Don Alexander
24 Posted 19/04/2016 at 19:41:51
It's not hard to understand why Del and Mo have taken their turn in front of the media. Martinez signed one from obscurity in Spain in terms of actually playing (he got piles sat on the bench during his season at Sevilla) and signed the other from the hopeless Hungarian league (think NPL).

Hey presto, they're then in the EPL on mega bucks!

What else are they gonna say of The Incredible One?

Dan Davies
25 Posted 19/04/2016 at 20:02:21
You believe what you want to Rob but all sports people have media training as to what they should and shouldn't say on camera, usually so they don't drop themselves or others in the shit.

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?

Nigel Munford
26 Posted 19/04/2016 at 21:19:23
Saw an interview with Gibbo and he was just busting to tell it as he sees it but couldn't as he knew it would be the end for him.
Dan Davies
28 Posted 19/04/2016 at 23:33:19
Any reply Rob? Yes? No? I rest my case.
Damian Wilde
30 Posted 20/04/2016 at 09:39:23
Rob, re: your post, biggest load of garbage I've read on here for a while
Trevor Lynes
32 Posted 20/04/2016 at 13:01:47
Having played pro football, I fully agree with Deulofeu!!!!

Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


About these ads

© ToffeeWeb