Gareth Barry has revealed that he was ‘desperate’ to join Everton following what appeared to be an undesirable situation at Manchester City.
Barry’s delight at joining the Toffees comes down to three things: the chance to play regular football, Roberto Martinez and the Goodison Park faithful.
A regular in Roberto Mancini’s midfield and a key component of the squad that won the 2012 Premier League title, Barry’s hopes of regular football in the 2013-14 season took a hit when new City boss Manuel Pellegrini arrived at the Eithad. Spending big on Fernandinho was a massive blow to Barry’s potential minutes and the presence of Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell didn’t help the situation.
The writing was on the wall and credit to Barry, he acknowledged it and did something. “I was obviously desperate in the end to join Everton,” he said Tuesday. A major motivating factor for the 32 year old was to join up with Toffee’s manager forces with Martinez.
“The way I’ve seen his teams play over the years as soon as he got his first management job in English football he’s always tried to play the right style of football,” Barry admitted. “When I’ve played against his teams it’s always been interesting to see what formations he’s played. He’s made it difficult for the teams playing against him and the way he had plans to fit me into the squad was very encouraging – the manager had a big part to play.”
Barry will challenge for a starting spot in the Toffees midfield. Under the 4-2-3-1 formation that Martinez has employed over the last two matches, Marouane Fellaini and Leon Osman were deployed in the holding midfield roles. With Fellaini gone and Darron Gibson sidelined with injury, competition to fill the available spot will come down to Barry and Everton’s other midfield coup, Republic of Ireland international James McCarthy.
A former Wigan player, it appears McCarthy may have the advantage in taking that spot. But Osman, who enjoyed his finest professional season ever last year, has looked a full step off the pace of late. That dip in form could convince Martinez to use Barry and McCarthy together, although such a move would seem more appropriate after the duo have played together for at least a few weeks.
In all likelihood it will be McCarthy or Barry alongside Osman, with the odd man out coming on as a substitute. When Gibson returns to form competition will ramp up even higher but at full tilt Barry arguably remains the most developed and well rounded of the four.
The Bluenoses were another reason for Barry’s decision. “I’ve enjoyed coming to Goodison Park and playing in great atmospheres. The fans here are fantastic and they always make it tough for opposing teams so it will be great to be playing on their side.”
Barry has two weeks to get accustomed to things at Everton. The Toffees next match is a home fixture against Chelsea on Saturday, September 14th.
