RM hopes to extend Miyaichi deal

Roberto Martinez is keen to keep on-loan winger Ryo Miyaichi at Wigan next season, but admits a decision will depend upon parent club Arsenal.

Last Updated: 16/03/13 at 10:04 Post Comment

Ryo Miyaichi: Has impressed at Wigan this season

Ryo Miyaichi: Has impressed at Wigan this season

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

The Japanese player has made just seven appearances for the Latics in an injury-dogged season which could have been ended by an ankle injury in last weekend's FA Cup quarter-final win at Everton.

Miyaichi requires surgery to repair the ligament damage and it may rule him out of Wigan's remaining games.

But Martinez is a huge fan of the 20-year-old and would be keen to extend their working relationship if Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will allow it.

"We will have to speak with Arsenal and we need to assess and make sure they are happy with the progression of the player," said the Latics boss.

"Ryo is a footballer that we really admire and has an incredible future in front of him so if we could work with him for a longer period we would be very happy to do that."

Wigan have had their fair share of injuries this season, critically to players like centre-back Antolin Alcaraz who has made just six appearances, having been sidelined for nearly six months with a groin problem.

Martinez believes he has noticed an upward trend in injuries among all clubs and has an interesting theory as to a contributing factor.

"Don't get me wrong, football in general gets more demanding physically, that is clearly the way the game is developing," he said.

"The more technology in sports science means you create better athletes but I think the weather and rain we had this summer has created difficult surfaces to play and train on.

"It would be interesting to find out how many injuries clubs throughout the leagues have had compared to last year because the number has been much higher.

"I don't think the physicality of the league has anything to do with that."

Martinez, preparing his side for the visit of Newcastle tomorrow, believes this year's relegation fight is the toughest he has experienced.

"The teams in the bottom three I don't think are going to stay there: there will be other teams involved and it will go down to the final day once more," said the Latics boss, whose side dropped into the relegation zone because of their FA Cup involvement last weekend.

"Year after year that fight becomes harder because teams are more prepared and stronger to cope with the demands in that final push.

"I do see it as the strongest fight out of the last four I've been involved."

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m absolutely disgusted that I've been misquoted in saying that if a chance came up to join Arsenal I would be interested. What I meant to say is if Man United or Chelsea were interested......

gulliver
Agent cools Benteke exit talk

L

FC league positions and points from last 4 seasons - 7 (61), 8 (52), 6 (58), 7 (63). Werner calls it progress, I call it mid table stability.

kolev_lfc
Reds progress delights Werner

I

s there a PR agency covering Begovich, Odemwingie, Steven Fletcher and Grant Holt or something? Why would you offer a quote like that without having been announced by either club. #headsshoulderskneesandtoesgone

Havelange
Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Footer 365

Blackburn appoint Gary Bowyer as manager on 12-month rolling contract

Blackburn have confirmed the appointment of Gary Bowyer as the club's new manager on a 12-month rolling contract.

Inter Milan appoint Walter Mazzarri as coach after sacking Andrea Stramaccioni

Inter Milan have named Walter Mazzarri as the club's new coach on a two-year contract after sacking Andrea Stramaccioni.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis clarifies Rafa Benitez comments

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has clarified earlier comments regarding a deal being agreed with Rafa Benitez.

Mail Box

Wayne Rooney Is Just An Average Athlete

That's the difference between him and someone like Cristiano Ronaldo - his body just isn't right. We have mails on him, Sparky, Brendan Rodgers and the Europa Lge...

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved