Roberto Martinez: Genius or Just Luck?

The Spaniard started his footballing career at Real Zaragoza as a defensive midfielder and played for both Wigan and Swansea before returning to manage both teams and then moving on to Everton. His four-year spell at the Latics ended with a historic FA Cup win beating Manchester City and the yang of relegation in 2013, as Martinez took over from David Moyes at Everton.
Martinez masterminded a spectacular FA Cup triumph, certainly, but the disappointment of the relegation stands out as a glaring blemish on his managerial CV. Martinez was never the favoured candidate of the fans although he was the most obvious and expected candidate to replace the departing David Moyes. However, from his first few months in charge, Martinez has proved that he is the right pick for the Toffees. So far, he has impressed all in his new role and has started to make headlines for himself and the club.
At Wigan he was continually forced to sell his best players like Hugo Rodallega, Victor Moses, Mohamed Diame, Antonio Valencia, Lee Cattermole and Charles N’Zogbia but in spite of this Wigan managed to stay competitive which says a lot about the psychological stamina Martinez builds on his squad. Any one of these sales could have derailed a season, but the relentless positivity he had permeating through in his dressing room kept the Latics fighting and never allowed negativity to fester long. His continually upbeat demeanour is one of his main assets as a manager which infuses his players with immense confidence.
What Martinez brings on the table is attractive and attacking display. He has stuck with a 4-2-3-1 approach at Everton, similar to the 4-4-1-1 David Moyes practically ingrained in the Toffees’ foundations which shows he’s now more willing to be flexible. The style is certainly evolving but, as yet, there’s been no sign of his favoured 3-4-3.
It’s no secret that Wigan conceded the greatest number of goals (73) last season under Martinez – along with Reading – slumping to relegation to The Championship. However, in Distin and Jagielka he has acquired two of the most active, yet consistent defenders in the league which would help him have a solid defence while he engages an attacking style of play.
The yearlong loan deal of Lukaku from Chelsea seemed like a god sent gift for Martinez after having had to sell Fellaini to Manchester United but the real stand out player for them thus far this season has been Gareth Barry, on loan from Manchester City. The players he has brought in shows his managerial acumen-without any windfall investment.
The Spaniard has sought to instil a possession philosophy, which features a greater emphasis on ball retention. But Everton is really pushing for a Champions League spot this time round and the big boys in the league must be really cautious when they face Martinez’s boys. Martinez has really sparked off something special with the Toffees.