ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Aston Villa v Everton
7.45
Roberto Martinez has admitted Farhad Moshiri's investment in Everton increases pressure on him and his players to "show we are ready to take the football club to the next level" but he insists he has not sought assurances over his future as manager.
Moshiri, the British-Iranian billionaire who until Friday owned 15 per cent of Arsenal, will acquire an initial 49.9 per cent stake in Everton subject to Premier League approval and ultimately plans to become majority shareholder. The 60-year-old is worth €1.65 billion, according to Forbes, and his impending arrival signals "a new era" for the Goodison Park club, according to their manager.
Martinez has met Moshiri, who was one of three parties to hold investment talks with Bill Kenwright before the Everton chairman and fellow directors opted for a deal that values the club at €225 million. While the Monaco-based billionaire's talks with the manager have not covered finer details such as this summer's transfer budget and requirements, Martinez admits Moshiri wants "a winning team" and to accelerate the process of trying to qualify for the Champions League.
‘Next level’
“Straight away you get challenged internally and we have to show we are ready to take the football club to the next level,” the manager said.
Everton are 12th in the Premier League and closer on points to the relegation zone than the top four, with a woeful return of four wins from 14 home league games undermining Martinez’ aims for the season. The manager claimed Moshiri “knows how difficult it is to have a vision and to put that into practice”.
But he admits there have been no assurances over his job from Everton’s impending new investor so far. “No, and I don’t need that,” Martinez added. “I’m the manager and I know it’s a results business and I’m going to be judged on my job, that doesn’t change. What I’m very relaxed about is I know Everton will be in good hands.
“He’s someone who understands the heritage of our club. He’s not someone who wants to take Everton as an investment, he’s someone who wants to make Everton successful and bring a winning team. I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to keep all the good things that we’ve had in the last few seasons and even go further.”
Kenwright, who is to remain Everton chairman, has sacked only Walter Smith in his 17 years at the helm but Martinez denies his continued presence provides security for himself.
"The chairman won't be afraid of sacking a manager. He had a very good relationship with David Moyes, they were very clear in what they had to work with and a really strong partnership.
“I feel I have got a very good relationship with the chairman as well. But be clear – the chairman wouldn’t think twice if he has to get rid of a manager. In the Premier League, you are not given that job on sentiment.” Guardian Service
