Martinez: No problem with ref Attwell

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez says he has no problem with referee Stuart Attwell ahead of Saturday’s clash at Manchester City.

In the corresponding English Premier League fixture last term, Attwell sent off Wigan captain Gary Caldwell for what he deemed to be a dangerous challenge on Carlos Tevez – a decision that angered the visitors.

Martinez claimed the Argentine should have been the one dismissed having gone in two-footed on Caldwell, and was fined by the FA for his post-match outburst.

Yet despite the history, Martinez does not see a problem with Attwell officiating Saturday’s game.

He said: “I know Stuart has been refereeing very well. He is a referee with a very bright future.”

“However, it was a little bit of a surprise to see him in this fixture.”

“There are too many similarities to what happened last season – it is an evening kick-off, live on the same TV channel.”

“But I am sure he will be composed and at his best, and I am sure there will be no issues after the game.”

Martinez is also confident James McCarthy will be fully focused on the game despite his unwitting role in the major talking point of last weekend’s action.

McCarthy was caught by the elbow of Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney during Wigan’s 4-0 defeat, but has since drawn widespread praise for not making more of the incident.

“It is good that he has got that praise,” Martinez added. “We are all too quick to criticise players when they dive and try to get a decision.”

“Not many times do players get praise when they behave really well.”

“I think James was a true ambassador to the league and football in general. He is a great example to young players.”

“I always believe in football you always get the rewards you deserve, and if he carries on behaving in that manner he will get many good things coming his way.”

Martinez has on-loan Tom Cleverley available again after he was unable to face parent club Manchester United last Saturday, although Emmerson Boyce is still injured.

Thu 3 March, 2011

Martinez: Avoiding drop harder than ever

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez believes it will take more than 40 points to ensure Premier League survival this year.

The Latics host Aston Villa on Tuesday at DW Stadium, with both sides desperate for points to climb up the table.

“You just feel you’re going to need more points than were needed last season, closer to 40 points this time round,” said Martinez.

“There are so many games so that’s going to have a massive bearing on how many points are going to be needed.”"If you look at the last third of the campaign, there are many sides that are fighting for the same aims at both ends.”

“It’s fascinating competition. There are five teams that can win the title, eight teams trying to avoid relegation – you don’t see that in any other competition in world football,” added the Spaniard.

Gerard Houllier’s Villa side will head to Wigan buoyed by Saturday’s 1-0 win over Manchester City, with new record signing Darren Bent scoring the only goal of the game, and Martinez knows it will be a tough test for his struggling side.

“They’ve come off the back of a very good result and a very good performance,” he said.

“They’re going to come here with a great feeling and we need to be prepared to face that. The Villa side have huge experience, enormous talent and with the new signing they are a team that are enjoying a great moment in their campaign.”

Wigan defender Gary Caldwell will miss the tie as he serves a one-match ban for his sending off during the 3-0 loss at Arsenal on Saturday, while defender Antolin Alcaraz is also unavailable with a soft tissue injury.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland could return to the side, however Martinez may been keen to stick with Omani stopper Ali Al-Habsi after he produced a string on fine saves during Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Arsenal.

Mon 24 January, 2011

Martinez: Wigan meeting challenge head-on

Roberto Martinez is backing his Wigan Athletic players to prove their mettle in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of a local derby at Bolton.

The Latics went down 1-0 at home to Newcastle on Sunday, missing the chance to move up to 12th position in the English Premier League table.

They have an immediate chance to hit back at the Reebok, and Martinez has been pleased with the way they have reacted this week.”There was still a feeling of disappointment after Sunday as we did not perform in the way we can after two very good performances,” the Wigan boss said.”Now we feel we cannot wait to get back on the pitch and get rid of that disappointment.”

“Mentally we are full of desire, and the reaction has been fantastic.”

“Taking away the performance against Newcastle, we have been very strong recently.”"We always face adversity in a very good way and will continue to work hard for each other.”

Bolton have lost their last two matches – at Chelsea and Liverpool – but Owen Coyle’s men are still riding high in seventh on the table.

“We know how difficult this game is going to be because Bolton have been in very good form, especially at home,” Martinez added.”They have a group of players who have been working together for a long, long time, and have had some outstanding results this season.”"You know you are going to be very tested in every department as they will fight until the last second. They are playing with a smile on their face and enjoying their football.”

The Latics will be without on-loan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, who is unable to face his parent club, while Charles N’Zogbia serves the second match of a three-match suspension for his sending-off against Arsenal on December 29.

James McCarthy (ankle), Franco di Santo (ankle), Emmerson Boyce (hamstring) and Victor Moses (shoulder) are all out.

Tue 4 January, 2011

Martinez: Wigan meeting challenge head-on

Roberto Martinez is backing his Wigan Athletic players to prove their mettle in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of a local derby at Bolton.

The Latics went down 1-0 at home to Newcastle on Sunday, missing the chance to move up to 12th position in the English Premier League table.

They have an immediate chance to hit back at the Reebok, and Martinez has been pleased with the way they have reacted this week.”There was still a feeling of disappointment after Sunday as we did not perform in the way we can after two very good performances,” the Wigan boss said.”Now we feel we cannot wait to get back on the pitch and get rid of that disappointment.”

“Mentally we are full of desire, and the reaction has been fantastic.”

“Taking away the performance against Newcastle, we have been very strong recently.”"We always face adversity in a very good way and will continue to work hard for each other.”

Bolton have lost their last two matches – at Chelsea and Liverpool – but Owen Coyle’s men are still riding high in seventh on the table.

“We know how difficult this game is going to be because Bolton have been in very good form, especially at home,” Martinez added.”They have a group of players who have been working together for a long, long time, and have had some outstanding results this season.”"You know you are going to be very tested in every department as they will fight until the last second. They are playing with a smile on their face and enjoying their football.”

The Latics will be without on-loan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, who is unable to face his parent club, while Charles N’Zogbia serves the second match of a three-match suspension for his sending-off against Arsenal on December 29.

James McCarthy (ankle), Franco di Santo (ankle), Emmerson Boyce (hamstring) and Victor Moses (shoulder) are all out.

Tue 4 January, 2011