ROBERTO MARTINEZ has insisted Everton still have the support of their fans, but called on them to offer the support that will help his side become trophy winners.
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| Roberto Martinez has called on Everton's fans for vocal support against Man City |
Everton face Manchester City in the Capital One Cup Semi-Final, first leg, on Wednesday with tensions increasingly evident between those on the pitch and supporters in the stands.
Martinez argued his side’s performances have not claimed the results they have deserved, though in a call to arms urged what will be a packed Goodison Park to be at its “intimidating best.”
Asked if Everton have to win back the trust of the fans, Martinez said: “I don’t think we have lost them.
“We have been open with each other. The fans see a fully committed team and every time we have a blow we react and always fight until the end. Some of our attacking play this season has been outstanding.
“We need the help of our fans to become better and we all know we are close to becoming a winning team.
“Our fans are a huge part of how we can perform at home. There is no two ways about it.
“The team is special, the characters individually are incredible ambassadors and we need the understanding of our fans to make a top team into a winning team.”
Tim Howard, who is likely to make way for Joel Robles in accordance with previous games in the competition, has sarcastically applauded supporters in both his last two appearances at Goodison after they cheered when he caught crosses.
While John Stones gestured to fans to calm down after the sight of him producing three Cruyff turns by his own goal in Sunday’s draw with Tottenham raised the blood pressure.
But Martinez is counting on the backing of the crowd as Everton, who have not won a trophy since 1995, look to take a giant stride to Wembley.
“I know for a fact Goodison will be rocking, the atmosphere will be special,” he said.
“Man City are expected to win any competition they go into, but I feel playing in front of our fans with Goodison at its intimidating best we can face anyone.
“First and foremost we need to be aware of the special side that we have. If we lose any players it will be for football reasons and the squad will ultimately benefit from it.
“The fans are sharing the same frustration that we share. We have shown some great signs, but we need to be patient. You cannot just click our fingers overnight and expect to become a good team.
“A team that can score goals and be attractive to watch like we want to do at Everton and then have the know-how to keep leads and win games with ease.
“The performances have been very, very consistent and that is where the frustration. We all need to learn as a football club that we have a special group of players and we have to help them.
“We have to make them stronger in keeping leads and getting points the performances deserve. We can only do that with the help of our fans and our crowd.”
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