Leighton Baines says Everton are fully focused on European qualification this season – and are well equipped to compete should they achieve their goal.
The Toffees sit fifth in the Premier League table – enough to secure a UEFA Europa League spot – but with only two points between them and Liverpool in the fourth UEFA Champions League place, the England defender says his side are more than capable of competing in Europe’s elite club competition.
Speaking to the club’s in-house TV channel, he said: "Getting back into Europe is a major goal. The cup competitions have always been important to us but it would be huge to bring that sort of success back to the club.
Baines has 22 England caps
"There is no limit if you can do it well; it is a style all the top teams in Europe play so we have to up our level as players to try to execute it.
"We would like to improve again and give ourselves the best chance of getting back into European football. If we managed to qualify for Europe then the style we play immediately translates to fitting in with European football, we don't need to adapt.”
The England left-back also praised new boss Roberto Martinez – who has implemented a passing philosophy and encouraged his players to enjoy more freedom and have more possession of the ball.
Baines expressed his delight at the smooth transition between managers since David Moyes departed for Manchester United in July 2013.
"It has been really positive for the most part this season and I've been really impressed with the manager's approach to everything," he added.
"The various aspects to what he does and the way we approach games is asking new questions of all of us, whether you've been here a few months or a few years.
Baines says Martinez has settled very quickly at Everton
"It is challenging and has freshened the place up. It was a fresh start for all of us and it was exciting because it was such a change and that was a big part of it."
As well as a positive first half of the league campaign for the Toffees, Baines’ side also find themselves in the latter stages of The FA Cup.
A home tie against Swansea stands between them and place in the quarter-finals, and Baines is determined to end the club’s 19-year run without a trophy.
"For a club as well supported as Everton to be starved of that success makes everyone hungry and everyone is chomping at the bit to work towards that,” he added.
