Roberto Martinez hails growing Wigan maturity
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez believes that his team has grown to great degree in last few games, and it was their maturity that enabled them to see out a tough game against Blackburn.
Wigan were behind early in the game at home, but managed to make their way back and ended up winning the game 4-3. It was their first win in last 9 games.
Wigan had been accused of taking their foot off the peddle in closing stages of games. In the 8 game run that saw them without a win. Twice they lacked focus and could not close out matches, against Fulham and West Brom Latics gave in late goals and ended
up losing points.
Martinez believes that his team has finally matured to have the ability to not only see out matches, but can also lift their game when needed.
He said: “Probably that’s the most pleasing aspect. Time after time this season you’ve seen we can play well, we can open teams up quite easily, we can create chances.
“But against Fulham we lost two points in the 85th minute, against West Brom similar, and we couldn’t be mature enough to see results through. This was the opposite.
Wigan boss said that the match against Rovers was a test of his team’s physical and mental toughness. He added that in the final 3rd of the game, Blackburn pushed up hard and put too many men forward. But his team stood firm and did not panic
under pressure, which shows that they have learned from their previous games.
Martinez said that the way his team closed out the game was very impressive, he added that in the past when constant pressure was exerted his team used to crumble.
The win lifted Latics out of the relegation zone, and the manager said that probably no one outside the club would realise how much this win means to everyone at Wigan.
Martinez went on to say that, his team has one point more than what they had at the same time last season. He added that last season they had injury worries and number of their main players were missing, yet they managed to stay in the Premier League. He
added that going into the final months of the season, his team looks healthy and up for the challenge.
Wigan boss said that the 3 points were like a cup final for his team, and the win has given his team a lot of confidence that would take them a long way in the season.
James McCarthy scored two goals for Wigan, who came back in the team after a 3 month lay off due to an ankle injury.
Martinez said that he is delighted to have James back in the team. He said James had started the season really well, but an unfortunate injury kept him out for long. However all of that is in the past now, and he looks fit and seems to have plenty more goal
in him.
While commending the fans of the club, Martinez said that he would like to dedicate the win to the faithful Wigan fans. He added that they have stuck with the team and suffered a lot in tough times, and their support throughout has played a big role in lifting
the team.