--- title: "Salir" canonical: "https://readeverton.com/salir/" type: "post" language: "en-GB" author: "Elliott Cuff" section: "Other" published: "2016-04-08T15:58:45Z" modified: "2016-04-08T15:58:45Z" --- # Salir Does anyone remember when the phrase ‘Solo Lo Mejor’ was first used in Roberto’s match day missive? The Spanish adaptation of the popular axiom, that has been utilised by the club since it’s inception, was bandied around a lot during Roberto’s first season. A sensational campaign that marked the Toffees’ zenith of the last ten years, the 2013-2014 season did wonders for the reputation of a man who had just seen his side slide into the second division, departing a league they had occupied for the better half of a decade. However, the last vestiges of optimism felt that season have long since disappeared, evanesced like the form of soon-to-be former club stalwart, Tim Howard. By very definition, Solo Lo Mejor alludes to an attitude Evertonians countrywide dream to see implemented on the field. ‘Only the best’, that’s what Roberto conjured up to entice us; seduction at it’s most potent. Bill Kenwright certainly fell for his mellifluous articulation, the Hispanic melody that brought the promise of Champions League football with an arrogance and swagger that demanded David Moyes be left a distant memory. Roberto effectively injected a new level of excitement into a fanbase, tired and worn down through years of negative football and little self-belief from the management team. Beginning his tenure with smart deadline day acquisitions, he went the first six games of the season unbeaten, claiming his first victory against Chelsea. Goodison Park became a fortress, with as few as three teams being fortuitous enough to come away with all available points. Supporters of Vitor Pereira disappeared into the woodwork, fast regretting their outcry at the Catalonians appointment. Positivity reigned supreme. Everton had been rejuvenated. Then the façade came crashing down. Sensational European nights peppered with domestic failings, Roberto’s magic dried up; leaving the Spaniard primary target, positioned perfectly in the crosshairs. Fortunately, Kenwright’s reluctance to pull the trigger provided Roberto with some much needed luck to try again, to amend the issues plaguing his squad. Calculated attempts to fool the media followed as Roberto delved into the far reaches of the English vernacular, pulling positive appellations to plaster across performances. Superlative bingo became a regular occurrence, as the ‘phenomenality’ of Everton’s master spin doctor kept on giving. Two semi-finals have endeavoured to prevent an all-out assault this term, as fans have been sharpening their pitchforks and readying their torches since the turn of the year. But little remains to hold back the masses should Roberto fail to elicit an acceptable performance from his side at Wembley, a side already malfunctioning from a lack of upheld promises and poor synergy. Notable professionals have seemingly voiced their concerns, through secretive whispers and mixed messages. Leighton Baines being forced to apologise over recent comments reinforces this, as Roberto struggles to hold the glue together. He knows he’s on borrowed time. He knows there needs to be change, one Mr. Moshiri is certain to enforce. He needs to understand what he’s doing. He needs to understand what to do next. He needs to realise that we appreciate his opening chapter, but a book is more than the first few pages. He needs to accept that one out of three isn’t good enough, not by a long shot. He needs to apologise, and bid us farewell. Adiós, Roberto. Salir.