Wednesday, 20th November, 2013
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has no regrets about turning his back on the Liverpool job a year ago.
Martinez was being offered the task of resurrecting Liverpool when he was at Wigan Athletic, but the Reds eventually went for Brendan Rodgers.
Talks had reached a stage where Martinez had been allowed to speak with Liverpool, though the Spaniard now faces his former suitors in this weekend's Merseyside derby.
However, when asked if he regretted not giving Liverpool a chance, Martinez told a press conference broadcast: "No. I never have regrets in football.
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"I have no time to look back on it. That's the reality. I'm proud and honoured to be Everton manager and I'm excited to experience the derby. That's all the time I have for it.
"I never have regrets in football, quite the opposite. I believe that in football, things happen for a reason. Everything has to be natural to be successful."
Martinez's first Merseyside derby sees both teams fighting it out in the top six, which adds an extra element to what has always been a must-win fixture.
And the former Wigan boss added: "It's a glamorous game, a glamorous fixture. It's one of those that is followed worldwide.
"The significance, history and passion is reflected. But this one is even more important because both teams are in the top six and have had strong starts to the season.
"The points in this derby are going to be more important than ever. It's as good a game as you can get."
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