• Premier League

Mirallas prefers Martinez to Moyes at Everton

ESPN staff
October 21, 2013
Kevin Mirallas signed for Everton last year © AP
Enlarge

Everton forward Kevin Mirallas has admitted that he prefers playing for Roberto Martinez than for David Moyes.

The Belgium international was credited with the opening goal - and created the winner for Steven Pienaar - as Martinez's side beat Hull 2-1 on Saturday to stay in touch with the Premier League pacesetters.

Everton are seventh, four points behind leaders Arsenal, and Mirallas feels that he is thriving under the new manager thanks to a language connection - as they both speak Spanish.

The 26-year-old is fluent in the language as his father is from Spain, and so can communicate freely with Catalonian Martinez, who replaced Manchester United-bound Moyes at Goodison Park in June.

Mirallas, brought to Everton by Moyes from Olympiacos in August 2012, told the Daily Mail: "The major change for me is the language because I speak Spanish.

"For me it is better, although I was very happy playing under David Moyes because he is a good manager. But Roberto is different because the Spanish style of playing football is different.

"It's easier because I speak Spanish with him and I understand better. The Spanish style of football is my type of football and with Roberto it is very different.

"Every day I have spoken with him and it's helped my confidence. I feel I am more consistent now and I am playing better and better."

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close