Sport nationRoberto Martinez was appointed Everton manager on this day in 2013, bringing joy and optimism to the club. Despite his eventual departure, Martinez’s tenure should be remembered for the positive impact he had on the team. He led Everton to their highest Premier League points haul and instilled a distinct brand of football that resonated with fans.
Martinez’s appointment was met with skepticism by some, given his relegation with Wigan Athletic just months prior. However, his impressive audition for the job came when Wigan dismantled Everton 3-0 in an FA Cup quarter-final. Martinez’s Wigan went on to lift the FA Cup, but were relegated from the Premier League.
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright was convinced by Martinez’s vision and appointed him as David Moyes’ successor. Martinez’s first words to Kenwright were, “I’ll get you in the Champions League.” While he didn’t achieve that feat, he did reshape the midfield and bring in prolific striker Romelu Lukaku.
In his debut season, Martinez led Everton to a 72-point haul, their highest in the Premier League era. Despite finishing seventh, Martinez’s attacking flair and commitment to the beautiful game earned him a new five-year deal. However, the next two seasons saw Everton finish 11th, and Martinez was eventually sacked in 2016 after a string of defensive capitulations.
Despite his flaws, Martinez brought memorable victories and a sense of optimism to Everton. His tenure should be reevaluated in the context of the club’s subsequent downward spiral. Martinez has since moved on to manage the Portugal national team, and his legacy at Everton deserves recognition.
The fullness of time allows for a more nuanced view of Martinez’s tenure. While he didn’t deliver on his Champions League promise, he brought joy and a distinct brand of football to Everton. His legacy is complex, but his impact on the club should not be forgotten.
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