Season › 2013-14 › News Squad is in better shape now , 6 September, 0comments | Jump to most recent Fellaini transfer was on Everton's terms Everton aren't in action this weekend as the football world's attention turns to the next round of World Cup qualifying matches but Roberto Martinez held his customary Thursday morning press conference at Finch Farm this morning to discuss the state of his squad following the closure of the transfer window. Though the Spaniard explained how a manager never wants to lose his top performers, he was keen to stress that he is comfortable with the blend of styles and experience he now has in the midfield following the acquisitions of Barry and McCarthy. "In many ways, we've got a stronger squad than when we started the window," Martinez told reporters. "Slowly we are building a team with special, young talent and that is very important. More importantly, we have the numbers we were looking for as I felt we were a little light in some areas." Martinez was taking the loss of Marouane Fellaini pragmatically, saying: "You always want to keep your best performers, and Marouane has had five outstanding seasons at Everton," he said. "But he leaves with our blessing. Everything was done on our terms, and that's what matters." The manager went on to describe how each of his new acquisitions have rounded out his team, with Barry sure to bring trophy-winning experience and composure to central midfield, Lukaku offering "incredible talent… with a proven record in the Premier League and competition for places up front," and McCarthy representing "a young talent, an "incredible potential for the future, and someone who will offer something different," that the Blues didn't already have in midfield. Though he has hinted that Barry's move could become a permanent one next summer when his contract at Manchester City ends, Martinez, predictably, wouldn't be drawn on the possibility of Lukaku staying beyond his existing season-long loan term, preferring to concentrate on the season ahead before either he, the club and the player can contemplate a next move. "What's important now is that we have to be as strong as we can for the nine months of competition ahead," the 40 year-old said, "and Romelu will play a massive role in that. At the end of it, you reassess the situation and see where we are." He took the same approach when asked about revisiting the Fernando situation in January after he confirmed that the Brazilian-born midfielder was a player whom the club have been following closely but did not conclude a deal for on deadline day. "Fernando is a player we admire and he fits all the criteria you'd need to be an Everton player. For different reasons at the end, he wasn't one of the options that we took — but he is a player we admire and follow very closely." Arguably as important as the players he was able to sign was the one transaction that could rival the speculation that surrounded Fellaini for longevity and intensity. Everton remained steadfast in their refusal to sell Leighton Baines and knocked back three bids for the defender from Moyes and United. "Leighton is a massively important player for us and for the future," said Martinez. "We want to do anything we can to reward him. "He deserves that we show our appreciation, what we feel about him. It's all positive. He's been an outstanding performer for Everton over the years. "Now he's clearly at the peak of his career, and we're going to make sure he feels that warmth from everyone at the football club. From a contract point of view, we need to do exactly the same. "It's more important than bringing in a new player, because he's someone who brings great experience. He's one of the best players in that position in world football." Quotes or other material sourced from evertontv Belgian Rotation Caps Astute Business by Martinez About these ads © ToffeeWeb