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Europe would be a massive step forward

Martinez determined to make Europa League at least

Roberto Martinez dismissed suggestions today that qualifying for the Europa League would be a hindrance to Everton next season, saying that Continental competition in any form would be a big step forward for the development of his team.

With plenty of football still to play, the Spaniard hasn't ruled out his side sneaking into the Champions League this season.

"We have 48 points and that is a good return," he told evertonfc.com. "Can we get top four? Mathematically we can. You look at the points tally you might need to get in those positions and that is still achievable.

"It would depend as well on how the other clubs react to being — or not being — in Europe. Many aspects are going to affect the points tally needed to be in the top four. After that you have the Europa League to fight for."

With its demanding group stage and Thursday evening kick-offs, the Europa League is often cited as a drain on clubs that don't have the financial muscle to build huge squads and the Premier League form of some teams playing in the competition has been affected in recent years.

Typically positive, Martinez doesn't buy into the Europa League being problematic.

"It wouldn't be a hindrance, not at all. Qualifying for Europe for us would be a massive step forward because it would bring massive football occasions that I do feel we need to be able to develop into the type of team we want to be.

"Getting into Europe is a big objective and something that would allow us to grow as a football club. All you need to do is at the beginning of the season plan the campaign, bearing in mind you are going to be in Europe and that brings extra demands."

Quotes sourced from Evertonfc.com

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