Everton boss Roberto Martinez has urged his players to end the season by clinching a top-four finish in the Premier League. A Champions League finish is now in the club's own hands and Martinez is convinced the momentum his side have gathered in recent weeks will stand them in good stead for the final matches of the campaign.
Speaking at an open day for the club's young supporters, Martinez said: "It was a very important game. Goodison creates a great experience and the fans are always influential.
"That is why it is good to have the open-day training where we can enjoy the presence of our younger fans and everyone can enjoy the good feeling of the team's good form.
"We embrace the expectations. It's very difficult to change the perception of which teams are going to challenge for the top four or for the title. The Premier League is the best league in world football due to the competitive edge that it has and for us to be involved in this fight is exactly what we were looking for.
"That's been down to the good work of the players for the last 10 months, but now we've got 18 points to fight for and we're realistic.
"Whatever aim you are fighting for, when you go into the final 30 points of the season - that's the significant time of the campaign to have momentum and be fresh. We have very good momentum, we have terrific competition for places.
"The mindset of the players is very important. Even those who are out injured contribute in the week. We are ready, excited and we can't wait to give everything we've got for the last 18 points."
