Everton boss Roberto Martinez says his side will not be affected by any pressure ahead of Tuesday’s Capital One Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough.
The Goodison Park outfit have never won the League Cup but head into the last-eight clash against the Championship side as 2.63 favourites to win the game.
Martinez, who guided Wigan Athletic to the FA Cup in 2013, has stressed the Everton players will not buckle as they continue their quest for silverware.
“We do not want to hide from the responsibility of representing a club like ours,” he is quoted as saying by Goal.
“We know we can reach some sort of history in our football club. That’s the mentality we are creating and embracing that situation. I don’t see that as pressure, it’s the opposite.”
Everton have concerns over James McCarthy (groin) and Gareth Barry (shin) ahead of the trip to the Riverside and Martinez has confirmed keeper Joel Robles will start the match.
Boro boss Aitor Karanka has a full-strength squad to select from as Cristhian Stuani has now recovered from an injury picked up on international duty.
The Championship side head into the cup clash in fine form following eight wins in their last nine games at the Riverside, while Boro have not conceded a goal at home since September 15.
Leave a comment
Link Dafabet