Martinez looks on bright side

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez feels his side will come out of their ongoing injury and suspension crisis much stronger.

Last Updated: 08/12/12 at 14:26 Post Comment   

Roberto Martinez backing Wigan to come out of injury crisis much stronger

Roberto Martinez backing Wigan to come out of injury crisis much stronger

Martinez is preparing to face QPR in a massive game at the wrong end of the Premier League on Saturday without a host of players, with suspensions to Gary Caldwell and Maynor Figueroa leaving him down to the bare bones in the centre of defence.

They are looking to avoid a third straight defeat, but Martinez remains in positive mood, saying: "We've got four centre-backs missing, and that doesn't happen a lot, but I'm really pleased in the manner the other players have been working, and they've been waiting for their chance.

"That's what we want to create at the football club, a structure where you've got players ready to come in and to perform in the manner we want to play.

"Adrian Lopez came in against Reading and he performed against Manchester City and Newcastle at a very high level. Emmerson Boyce has been outstanding in that new role.

"I never look at the players that aren't there, it's the opposite. And once we get through this period we're going to be a stronger squad and a squad ready to finish the season really strong.

"We want to be aware of the levels of expectation. The squad has been stretched to the maximum in the last three games with the players that we've had missing and I felt we reacted in a great manner and performed really well.

"In the last two games we feel frustrated that we couldn't get positive results to reflect some of the good things that we've done. You don't want to look away from the reality of the next game, which is a very important one from our point of view. We've had two defeats and we want to change that, and we have to change that.

"QPR are starting to bring a little bit of consistency in their play since Harry Redknapp arrived.

"You can see in their last two games, they got two positive results, they're playing with a real togetherness and they'll be looking at every game that they've got in front of them from now on as must-win games to get out of the position they're in."

Redknapp replaced Mark Hughes last month following the Welshman's sacking. The 65-year-old took over Tottenham when they were in a similar position four years ago, and Martinez expects him to turn around Rangers' fortunes.

"He brings real experience," said the Spaniard. "In football there is nothing better than knowing what to expect when you go into a challenge, that's a real advantage.

"Harry Redknapp has been in that situation before, he's been in a very successful team that had great times in the Champions League, and that brings a real feeling of confidence.

"He's going to get the best out of every single player. They've got very talented footballers and the moment they get a positive result they'll get a real competitive edge about them."

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