The managers of Everton, Stoke City and Arsenal spoke of their plans for the upcoming match and season before the final day (and Finals) of the Barclays Asia Trophy 2015 (BAT2015).
Before Saturdays Match against Arsenal in the Barclay’s Asia Trophy, Everton FC’s manager, Roberto Martinez and Right Back Seamus Coleman, spoke on protecting key players, the Singaporean fans and Saturdays match.
Despite playing miles away from Goodison Park, Martinez and his players were touched by the reception and passion of the Singaporean Everton fans. Seamus added, “some fans aren’t lucky to fly out to England to watch a Premier league match and it’s their pleasure to play in front of fans here. “ Our target is to get into cup Finals. Being in the finals of Barclays Asia trophy is a good start,” said Martinez.
During pre season Martinez prioritizes on getting his players physically ready for the upcoming 2015/16 season.
After Wednesday’s match against Stoke City, there were concerns of players getting injured and the lack of fitness for some. Martinez is aware of keeping players like Lukaku and Pienaar fit as the fans pay good money to see them and these players are vital for Everton in games.
“Pienaar is an exceptional player in finding space and passes,” added Martinez. Gerard Deulofeu’s lack of fitness was obvious, but has matured since leaving Everton and is working hard to get fit again according to Martinez.
For the Finals, Martinez will be making a couple of changes but the core players will remain in the starting line up.
(Stoke City – Page 2, Arsenal page 3)