Roberto Martinez: 'Marco Silva's Everton can be strong again'

Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez has backed Marco Silva to turn things around at Goodison Park this season.

Martinez was sacked by Everton in May 2016 with the club 12th in the Premier League and is now the coach of the Belgian national team.

Silva was appointed Everton manager in May 2018, but with 13 Premier League games played so far this season his side sit 16th in the table.

Speaking to Standard Sport, Martinez said: "Obviously it hasn't been a real bright start in terms of getting the points that probably Everton, with the investment, would expect to get in this initial third of the season.

"Still, it's one third, and sometimes you need to go through pain and trauma as a team to become strong again."

Everton lost their last league game 2-0 at home to Norwich City and travel to Leicester City and Liverpool in their next two Premier League matches.