25 Nov 2013

'He told me' - Anfield legend accuses Martinez of lying about LFC manager's job.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has claimed several times that Liverpool offered him the manager's job in the summer of 2012, and prior to last weekend's Merseyside Derby, the Spaniard once again outline his reasons for allegedly turning down the role, which ultimately went to Brendan Rodgers. Anfield legend Phil Thompson has taken issue with Martinez's contention, however, and he's basically accused Everton's manager of lying about the details.

When asked about the Liverpool job in August 2012, Martinez told the Daily Mail:

"We must educate people. In five or six years, we [Wigan] reap the benefits. Maybe I won’t be there then. But this is not why I stayed, when Liverpool made me an offer. I stayed because my chairman is unique"

In an interview on Saturday - prior to the Merseyside Derby - Martinez explained that it 'didn't feel right' to take the Liverpool job, adding:

"You make decisions based on feelings and that was the right thing to do. I do believe it is fate I have come to Everton - things happen for a reason and everything has to come naturally. I do feel that was the case, not just with Liverpool"

Responding to Martinez's comments, an irritated Phil Thompson rejected Martinez's contention that Liverpool offered him the manager's job. He tweeted:

"Let's get one thing straight: Roberto Martinez was never offered the Liverpool job. Yes, he was interviewed. How do I know it? Roberto told me. Roberto told me getting off a plane in Amsterdam during Euro 2012".

Thommo is an honourable man, and I doubt he would publicly lie about something like this, but he appears to be suggesting that Martinez is not being wholly honest about his interaction with LFC.

Whatever the truth, Martinez is (IMO) a credit to the Premier League, and Everton are lucky to have him. Many fans scoffed at the prospect of the Spaniard taking over at Anfield, but like Rodgers, he's a genuine, likeable guy, who conducts himself with dignity and humility, and if he'd got the job, he probably would've been a success:

* Martinez is doing a great job with Everton right now with fewer resources than Rodgers, and when comparing each manager's first 12 league games in charge at their respective clubs, you can see the difference:

- MARTINEZ: P12 W5 D6 L1 Pts: 21
- RODGERS: P12 W3 D6 L3 Pts: 15

* Martinez's transfers over the summer are far superior to Rodgers' first set of signings:

- RODGERS: Allen, Sahin, Assaidi, Yesil and Borini: £30m+ (approx) spent, and none of these five players has made any positive difference to LFC. Allen can barely get in the side; BR dumped Sahin after six months; Borini and Assaidi are farmed out on loan, and Yesil is toiling in the reserves.

- MARTINEZ: McCarthy, Barry, Lukaku, Deulofeu, Alcaraz, Kone, Robles: £21m (Plus loan fees, if any), and you can't really argue with this set of signings. Three squad players (Alcaraz, Kone, Robles) and four superb signings who've done really well for Everton so far.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad Liverpool have Rodgers - he's doing a great job, and I'm genuinely confident that he is capable of bringing the Premier League title back to Anfield. However, if things had turned out differently, Martinez would probably be doing a similarly effective job for the Reds.

Author:


56 comments:

  1. Yes Jamie but last season everyone was telling us we should have signed Laudrup as manager. He's not exactly pulling up trees in his second season is he?

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  2. Providing the point totals from their first twelve games without any context might be misleading.


    We all know that we had an incredibly difficult start to the schedule last year with West Brom (playing well), Man City, Arsenal, and Man U in 4 of the first 5 games.


    Have Everton had a comparable schedule of opponents within their first 12 games?


    That's not to diminish Martinez's contributions. It's just to say that there may be more to it than meets the eye.


    The one point where you are absolutely right about is the signings. Barry, Lukaku, and Deulofeu are all quality players to get right away.

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  3. Must commend BR for taking the Reds position. IMO I feel Martinez felt the step was too large for him and further, the fact that BR had attained relative success and was received fairly well solidified RM's confidence to make the move. If I recall correctly, BR balked at the opportunity prior to accepting.

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  4. He's doing exactly as a manager of Swansea should be doing. They're mid-table, where most would expect them to be.

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  5. To be interviewed shows an implicit interest doesn't it? Also, one might construe a meeting like this (in a way - as being offered) to mean its intended to invite one to 'kick the tires' become manager (see the trophy room etc). This could be yours to add too if you want to conform to our way of doing things!

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  6. I don't think Martinez would of got the same time to settle into the job compared to Rogers if he had got the job last year. In winning the F.A Cup it has given him much more kudos despite wigan dropping down to the championship. Everton have impressed me this season wouldn't be surpised if they win a cup next year.

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  7. Thanks for making my point Jamie.

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  8. If you say so. My point is Laudrup is not doing badly in his second season, whilst you seem to be suggesting he should be doing better.

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  9. Martinez has one thing going for him this season and that is Lukaku. When Lukaku goes back to Chelsea then Martinez might just find himself in a pickle.

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  10. I do and don't agree. I think they'd be doing well but probably not as well with out Lukaku. Makes you sort of happy that the players we have on loan aren't doing amazingly doesn't it?

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  11. What does comparing Martinez with Rodgers has to do with the tittle of the article?? You can't help yourself to always put a dig in LFC huh??? Or you must be thinking you are the LFC fans who tells it the way it is but not with emotions, by stating a whole lot of stats and facts. Facts and Stats can be manipulated to make a point. So your "FACTS" and "STATS" it also pointing out that Martinez is a better coach/manager than Moyes.

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  12. Naismith is the only other striker to score for Everton this season in the EPL. Lukaku has scored 7 of their 17 goals in the EPL. Will Kone and Jelavic 'one season wonder' make Everton a force to be reckoned with next season?

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  13. What's goin to happin when we lose suarez next season Gerard's past it were not in a good position in the long run

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  14. Kevin Mirallas (if you class him as a striker) just scored his first goal of the season but I do see your point. Just had to double check what you said was right but you are right. Kone could be good but I think it's more down to if his confidence will be shot because of playing second fiddle this season and with Jelavic his problem is that his type of striker is a dying breed and becoming less useful. He's the sort of striker you need to feed him. Just look at Soldado he needs feeding but in the passing game which Tottenham and Everton are starting to play then no he will not be a force.

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  15. Read something today that for every goal Lukaku scores, Everton has to pay Chelsea 1m.


    Crazy

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  16. I can't see that being true but could you imagine? The loan would be more trouble than it's worth say he reaches what 20 goals? You might as well just by him!

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  17. Where did you read that?

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  18. Totally different scenario managing LFC and efc. How many of Rodgers signings from last season would get in the Everton side - answer all of them. Chalk and cheese the 2 clubs

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  19. We have a remarkable array of young talent that will come through over the next few years but I take your point

    Suarez will go for massive money, £80 million at least surely, we just need to re invest wisely, but Suarez is irreplaceable unless we get Ronaldo

    Top 4 is super important this year, especially with BT pumping double the cash into CL from 2015/16 season

    It looks like AVB is finally being exposed, so we are looking at 5 teams for top 4

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  20. Just because he knocked Liverpool back doesn't make him a liar mate.

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  21. All of them? Like who? Give me some names.

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  22. I think it is generous to say you can't argue with Kone for £6mil.

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  23. steve do u knw anything about football!!!! Laudrup is doing solid mate considering the fact that they're made to play thursdays then pretty much every saturday!! it took its toll on Newcastle last year, IMO laudrup is doing awesome!

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  24. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/10471382/Liverpool-manager-Brendan-Rodgers-claims-it-is-Daniel-Sturridges-responsibility-to-manage-his-priorities.html



    Scroll about 3/4 way down. I haven't seen it elsewhere but the thought of it is quite insane.

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  25. Good manager but I think you overrate him a little. I could be proven wrong but I think you need to wait and see where they are come the end of the season. As for BR, really happy with him so far. Great coach and always comes across well in interviews. But as you say last summer he made some really poor signings. I just hope he learns from his mistakes.

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  26. Yes it does.


    Especially when he's lying about the fact that he turned down a job he claims he was offered, when he previously told someone else that no offer was made.

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  27. If he scores 20 goals this season, you can be sure there's no way that Chelsea will sell him.

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  28. Liverpool Football Club are a joke! Your focus has changed from Man United, Arsenal, Chelsea and City and now you are worried about Everton! Martinez was right to turn you down and if Everton's physio had come on and told the ref to give a Liverpool player a red in the reverse circumstances, Stevie G would have been in his face too. So who is next to try and deflect away from your underperforming 'has been' club? Hull? Newcastle? Villa? League Championship - YNWA - 'You'll Never Win Again!'

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  29. Most EVE signing were aim to instant fix. But Br were restricted to "moneyball" circumstances...

    But to be fair, BR signing in this summer yet to justify their $$$

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  30. LOL.............................loon.

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  31. Rodgers was offered the job first. But he refused because he was not assured total control over the club. Indeed, FSG at that time, wanted to employ a director of football also. So, since they could not get their first choice target, FSG went for Martinez who apparently had a similar philosophy...

    Also Martinez is a fool for thinking he was offered the job. Actually he was just being used. By purposedly letting the press see them interviewing RM, FSG was clearly playing some kinda mind games to make BR change his mind and it worked. When FSG went for BR the second time, he accepted the job...
    Our owners are very smart especially John Henry. They even had a plan B in case things did not go as planned. And this was Martinez...
    As for who is the better. FSG was bang on. Imo its BR, the guy with the 108 page dossier on how to play football! Martinez may be slightly better with handling his tranfers but BR has the biggest potential to improve with years...

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  32. Rodgers was offered the job first. But he refused because he was not
    assured total control over the club. Indeed, FSG at that time, wanted to
    employ a director of football also. So, since they could not get their
    first choice target, FSG went for Martinez who apparently had a similar
    philosophy...

    Also Martinez is a f00l for thinking he was offered the job. Actually
    he was just being used. By purposedly letting the press see them
    interviewing RM, FSG was clearly playing some kinda mind games to make
    BR change his mind and it worked. When FSG went for BR the second time,
    he accepted the job...
    Our owners are very smart especially John
    Henry. They even had a plan B in case things did not go as planned. And
    this was Martinez...
    As for who is the better. FSG was bang on. Imo
    its BR, the guy with the 108 page dossier on how to play football!
    Martinez may be slightly better with handling his tranfers but BR has
    the biggest potential to improve with years..

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  33. The difference is that Martinez was given players on loan that no team would give to Liverpool due to us being a direct competitor.

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  34. 80... 80 million?!


    I laughed very loudly. 40m release clause. Even if it somehow ignored, 40m is the limit for him. His reputation is not something clubs will pay big money for. How many games has he been banned for? 30? Nearly a season - that isn't worth top dollar.

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  35. This site has really given me a laugh this week. Now we are being told Pinocchio doesn't lie! Brilliant. Keep them coming

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  36. This website is brilliant for making me smile. Now we are being told Pinocchio doesn't lie! Brilliant. Keep them coming...

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  37. If that is the way you interpret what was written in the telegraph I think it's best you leave the broadsheets alone and stumble through the red tops pal! #thicko

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  38. I presume you mean this bit?

    "Romelu Lukaku recovered from a difficult first half to strike twice, the shame for his temporary employers being a million will be added to his transfer fee with every goal."



    I think you misinterpreted but I can see how though. Basically it's saying his transfer value is going to go up by a million everytime he scores. So if he scores £20m he could be worth £25-£30m.

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  39. I don't know, it is Mourinho we are talking about here.

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  40. Jaime K Please stop writing these awful articles!

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  41. It appears my views have been removed. Excellent unbiased website that removed comments. It appears you can not accuse Phil Thompson of not telling the truth but you can roberto Martinez. Brilliant! Pinocchio is not a liar!

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  42. From what I just read from that link, the clause seems to be that 1M is added to a potential future transfer fee between Chelsea and Everton. It doesn't increase his value by anything, as the value of a player is whatever a club is willing to pay, just like products.


    So if Lukaku scores 10 goals he could be sold for 10M? But would it be worth it then? It would be interesting to see if he scored around 15 goals. This is an interesting clause but I doubt it truly exists.

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  43. His growing nose would beg to differ.....

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  44. Yeah that makes sense too. If he only scored 10 it wouldn't be worth it but if he scored 20 then Everton wouldn't be able to afford him judging by previous transfer windows.

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  45. Then again £20m for Lukaku IMO would be a steal judging by the ability he has now. He's only going to get better.

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  46. Note to the person who keeps removing quotes from me. You are a complete prick. Xxx

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  47. Yeah history suggests Everton won't have a chance unless they make a sale, Baines maybe but I doubt it. 20M is definitely worth it for Lukaku. We have had some nice dealings with Chelsea but they would be mad to let him go. He's definitely better than Torres and Eto'o and as you said he will get better.

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  48. How many trphies has Laudrup won in his 1 and a bit seasons? Typical red believing the shirt has a devine right! Not anymore Son, not anymore.

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  49. So we trust Pinocchio not telling lies over Martinez??

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  50. This is your final warning: discuss in a civil manner (without personal insults) or you will be banned.

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  51. Ah I see what you mean. Your interpretation seems to make much more sense. I was trying to figure out where the write got that from as I couldn't find it anywhere else.

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  52. I agree that Rodgers had more resources than Martinez in his first season but lets look at it clearly. Where had Everton finished compared to Liverpool the previous season? What does that say about the two teams? What signings where made by the two managers in their first seasons? Everton have very much been boosted by the loan of Lukaku which I am sure that Jaimie will agree with.

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  53. Remember that Lukaku will be gone next season. What then?

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  54. Jaimie - Why do you get so sensitive to abuse? just ignore them. By replying to their messages, it gives them the fire to say and do more. If you and everyone else just ignored them, they would get bored and go to another website.
    Rodgers is doing a decent job at the moment and Martinez too. I would say they are both exceeding expectation with the amount of money other teams have thrown around in the summer. Man City, United and Spurs are below average at the moment but all of those teams are capable of going on a run when the fixture list gets more kind for all three teams. And Arsenal have to go on a bad streak at some point.

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  55. Just focus on liverpool and imo I can say that rodgers is the best young manager in the league. Common noone can get right with every player comming in during transfer window what is most important is the way team is performing on the pitch and no one can argue on that so BR is then one who is the best and I have always great respect for matinez from his wigan days...

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