Everton Firing Roberto Martinez, Reignite The Jurgen Klinsmann Rumors?
By Ty Duffy
Multiple outlets in England are reporting Everton will fire manager Roberto Martinez, after his third season with the club.
Everton finished 5th in Martinez’ first season, with 72 points a +22 goal difference. Things went down hill from there. Last season, Everton fell to 11th with 47 points a -2 goal difference. They have stayed stagnant this season, in 12th with 44 points and a +1 goal difference and one match to play. The Blues have won just one of their last 10 matches.
Martinez was criticized for his team’s poor defensive plans. Everton’s 55 goals allowed is the worst in the Premier League outside the bottom five. They scored multiple goals and failed to win in six matches.
American audiences will recognize Martinez. He served as an ESPN studio analyst during both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
The news could raise the hopes of some USMNT fans who want Jurgen Klinsmann out. Rumors in April had Klinsmann being in the mix to replace Martinez.
Of course, those hopes should not be raised too much. Everton hiring Klinsmann, given his track record, would be…nuts.