article_snippet: Everton manager Roberto Martinez insists it is no major surprise that English clubs have struggled in Europe this season because of the domestic demands of the Europa League.
article_snippet: However, Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes it is the competitive nature of the Europa League, coupled with a lack of a winter break, which is hampering clubs when they face fresher, less-tested teams in European competitions. '
article_snippet: I think there are aspects there that make it very, very difficult for an English club to have success in Europe,' the Spaniard said. '
article_snippet: If you look at the top leagues in Europe most of those have got a little break in the winter.
article_snippet: but it can make a big difference in a squad that is playing domestically two cup competitions, when others are playing one cup competition.
article_snippet: The top teams that are normally involved in Europe can cruise through games and that makes it a lot easier to plan a group of fixtures in a two-to-three-week period.
article_snippet: That is a big difference and that affects English clubs. '
article_snippet: Some of the clubs in the Champions League have been unfortunate, there have been small margins but small margins could easily be the demands that you face domestically.
article_snippet: It's something that clearly hasn't been working in We favour.'