Monday, 18th November, 2013
Everton manager Roberto Martinez feels that the upcoming Merseyside derby against Liverpool should be special because both clubs like to play football in the same way.
Martinez laid the passing football foundations for current Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers at Swansea, with Rodgers' spell at the Liberty Stadium the evidence on which he was handed the Anfield job.
Ironically, Martinez had been in the running for the Liverpool post too and even held talks with the club's principal owner John W Henry.
However, just over one year on and he is in charge at Everton, having skilfully avoided the meltdown many predicted would occur once David Moyes left the club.
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Now Martinez is looking forward to locking horns with Rodgers and Liverpool on 23rd November and has predicted a classic affair.
He told Everton TV: "From my point of view, it’s the most exciting one for the history that is surrounding the game and the passion of the fans.
"It makes it a really, really important game.
"I think the two teams are now sharing a similar football style, which is going to make it a really fascinating game of football.
"I think from every single angle you want to measure a derby game; this one could be as good as any if you are looking throughout the football world.
"So, you can imagine the ingredients are there and I think the quality that the two squads are bringing to the game is going to make it a special football game."
Martinez's Everton currently sit sixth in the Premier League standings, three points behind second-placed Liverpool.
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