Everton manager Roberto Martinez has identified the Toffees' participation in the Europa League as the reason behind the club's disappointing campaign.

The Merseysiders finished the season in 11th position on the Premier League table, paling into comparison with last season's fifth-place finish.

"The problem has been we couldn't enjoy any momentum in the first half of the season," Martinez said after the defeat 1-0 to Tottenham on Sunday.

"I think Europe got in the way; it's not an excuse, it's a reason, but something we can learn from. We want to be in Europe, we want to fulfil our level in the domestic competitions.

"The last 30 points we've showed that character, that fight, that personality of facing adversity, having to win and winning. That's going to be the base of what we need to build for next season."