Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that he is eager for the team to be back in Europe.
The Toffees reached the last 16 of the Europa League last season, but they struggled to replicate that form in the Premier League.
While admitting that playing in Europe affected his side's domestic performances last term, Martinez wants to return to European competition as soon as possible.
"Does playing in the Europa League have an impact on the league? The answer is clearly yes," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "But it is still our aim and one of our targets.
"It's different when you are playing in Europe season after season. You get that mentality and habits and into a position where you can cope with it a lot better.
"Psychologically it's very tough... like having to go to Russia on a Thursday and arriving back on a Friday afternoon to face Manchester United at Old Trafford for an early Sunday kickoff is a physical aspect that will affect you.
"We want to be in those situations, to be playing in Europe year after year but that is something that is becoming harder in our league as you can imagine."
Everton are in pre-season action on Wednesday when they face Stoke City in the opening game of the Premier League Asia Trophy in Singapore.
Jack Prescott
