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Gerard Deulofeu has backed his boss Roberto Martinez, telling fans: blame the players, not the manager.

The Everton winger has been in poor form recently, mirroring that of his team, who have won just three of their last 15 league games.

The Spaniard has started the last three games for the Blues, but has only completed 90 minutes twice since Christmas.

The club's recent run of bad results has seen pressure increase on Martinez, with several supporters demanding his removal – and one even invading the pitch in the home draw with Southampton in an attempt to confront the Catalan.

Martinez, and Everton, face a crucial week with the Merseyside derby on Wednesday, before travelling to Wembley to meet Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final.

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Despite the current unrest, Deulofeu is happy with Martinez, and thinks the responsibility lies with him and his team-mates.

"The manager's work is so good,” he told Sky Sports. “We need to stay altogether and all take responsibility, because the manager does not play on the pitch.

"Yes, it is a difficult position, but now is no time to think about this, we have a nice week with the derby and the chance to reach the FA Cup final. In my opinion I am happy with my coach.

Deulofeu is also eyeing three points at Anfield, adding: "This week is the most important, because the results have been bad this season, and we stay in a bad position, and we have a chance in the FA Cup.

"It's so important, and we need to go to the semi-final with confidence, and first we need to play at Anfield together, to win and take three points."