Ahead of their Europa League clash with Wolfsburg at Goodison Park, Everton boss Roberto Martinez believes his side need to be playing in Europe in order to fulfil the squad's potential. "We are very excited as you can imagine, and we have been working very hard for 12 months to achieve this opportunity," he said.
"The Europa League right now is a great competition and probably where we need to be testing ourselves. The only way to fulfil our potential is by playing games like this one."
Lille and FK Krasnodar clash in the other Group H opener and Martinez believes the level of opposition ensures his side face a battle to secure a place in the final 32.
"The draw has been really kind in the way of bringing two quality football teams in the form of Lille and Wolfsburg to Goodison and then a real surprising pack with Krasnodar, who beat Real Sociedad in the previous play-offs.
"In terms of group stages it is phenomenal for us but that's what we want at Everton and that's the expectation we want to bring onto ourselves.
"We embrace playing in Europe and it is something I believe we need to fulfil our potential as a squad."
