Former Everton winger Pat Nevin believes the Blues’ failure to qualify for the Europa League next season will be a massive help for the club.
The Toffees enjoyed a fantastic 2013-14 campaign under manager Roberto Martinez with the Spaniard guiding his new side to fifth position in the Premier League.
The former Wigan boss had already reached a record points tally in the English top flight with five games remaining to help them land a place in the Europa League.
However, participating in Europe’s second-tier tournament had a drastic effect on their domestic performances last season, with the club languishing in the bottom half of the table at one point.
Everton did manage to reach the last 16 of the Europa League but long trips to the likes of Kiev and Bern were a massive hindrance to the fitness of the squad.
The Toffees managed to rise up the Premier League table in the second half of the season, eventually finishing in 11th position, and Nevin believes only having to concentrate on domestic action will be a blessing for the next campaign.
“The Europa League has been the club’s downfall this season,” he said. “The Premiership is so hard and if you turn up to a game even five per cent off your best, you’ll get found out.
“Travelling is hard and the extra games leave players a bit weary, a lot of the squad has looked a bit weak at times and it’s no real shock what’s happened to the club, especially after it occurred to Tottenham in 2013-14 too.
“If you were being heartless, you’d say it would be best if the club miss out on Europe.”
Everton are 250/1 to win the Premier League next season.
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