Everton boss Roberto Martinez defends Romelu Lukaku's motivation after Chelsea move

Posted Saturday, October 18, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk

ROBERTO MARTINEZ has denied claims that Romelu Lukaku’s slump is down to a lack of motivation.

ALLY: Everton boss Roberto Martinez has jumped to the defence of Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku, 21, fired in 16 goals last season for the Toffees during his season-long loan from Chelsea.

It landed him a big-money transfer to Merseyside and got him away from Chelsea, where he was frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities.

But the Belgium striker has managed just two goals so far this season for Everton since his £28m summer move.

That has led to suggestions Lukaku has taken his foot off the gas as he now longer needs to impress.

But Toffees boss Martinez insists the club’s record buy is being fired on by his hunger for trophies and success.

He said: “Looking at his motivation last season it could be a concern but looking at Rom, I can guarantee you that is no concern because his mind set has changed.

"He was trying to impress and find a permanent move, now his focus is winning games and winning trophies.

"He has become the most important player for Belgium. He has different goals.

"He’s not in a position where he has got no challenge left, it is not that.

"Rom is very much focused and is ready to have a very strong season.”

But Martinez does accept Lukaku has to up his game for 90 minutes after only a few flashes of brilliance so far this term.

And he will be hoping he does today when the Toffees look for just their second Premier League win against Aston Villa tomorrow.

Martinez added: “Sometimes you feel he hasn’t got the same power, the same intensity, you’re talking about very small margins and he has had incredible signs.

"The goal he scored against Crystal Palace is him at his best now we need to replicate that for longer periods.

"Within the 90 minutes we see Rom have three or four outstanding actions where last year we had 10 to 15 actions and that is where we need to work towards.

"His attitude has been incredible and the desire of wanting to help the team has been too good because he has put himself in a position he is there to be shot at.”