Source: Daily_Mail
Roberto Martinez admits nerves will play a role on Sunday
ShareWigan boss Roberto Martinez expects nerves to affect his relegation-threatened side heading into their decisive final game this weekend - but is convinced they can be overcome.[LNB]The Latics have taken their battle for Barclays Premier League survival to the closing round of fixtures after a dramatic fightback against West Ham last week.[LNB]Charles N'Zogbia struck in injury time as Wigan fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and lift themselves into a tight five-way scrap to avoid the drop with Blackburn, Wolves, Birmingham and Blackpool.[LNB] Jubilation: Roberto Martinez (centre) celebrates the win over West Ham[LNB]Martinez admits Sunday's do-or-die clash at Stoke will be a fraught affair but takes encouragement from the last performance.[LNB]The Spaniard, whose side are 19th but just a point behind 15th-placed Blackburn, said: 'We need to learn from last Sunday.[LNB]'In certain aspects of the performance we were affected by the occasion and the importance of the game.[LNB]'We need to remember we are human beings and sometimes the significance of the three points can affect your performance.[LNB]'We need to be well aware of the threat and of how good Stoke are at home.[LNB]'Before the game against West Ham we had it clearly.[LNB] Winner: Charles N'Zogbia squeezes the ball between Wayne Bridge (left) and Danny Gabbidon (right)[LNB]'Our league was over, we had played 36 games. We had to learn a lot from that period and now we were facing two finals.[LNB]'We have gone through the first final and now there is the other half to go.'[LNB]On the face of it, Wigan would seem to have the most favourable final-day fixture as they face a Stoke side who now have little to play for following their FA Cup final loss.[LNB]Blackpool must travel to champions Manchester United, Birmingham are away at European hopefuls Tottenham and Wolves face Blackburn at Molineux.[LNB]But Martinez is expecting a fierce contest at the Britannia Stadium as the Potters look to end the campaign on a high after also losing heavily to Manchester City in midweek.[LNB]'Going into Sunday we know that Stoke have had a phenomenal season, probably one of the best in their history,' said Martinez, who has a fully-fit squad available.[LNB] Tough opponents: FA Cup finalists Stoke stand in Wigan's way[LNB]'They have found a winning formula and Tony Pulis has found a group of players who are very successful in what they do.[LNB]'At home they are a very difficult team to play against.[LNB]'Unless we are as good as we can be in the way we play, we are not going to have a chance to compete against a side like Stoke.'[LNB]It has been suggested Blackpool could unfairly benefit if Manchester United, who play in the Champions League final next week, choose to field a weakened side but Martinez does not want to be drawn into that argument.[LNB]He said: 'Whenever you are facing a team of the stature of Manchester United you know you are in for a tough game.[LNB] Keeping the faith: Martinez believes survival is achievable[LNB]'All these stories of going to a place where you are not going to find difficult opposition are from people who are not involved in football.[LNB]'You are not part of such a fantastic football club unless you are a winner and have real pride in what you do.'[LNB]While Martinez is focusing only on his side's task, he admits he will find it impossible not to try to keep up to speed with events elsewhere on Sunday.[LNB]'Yes, you have to,' he said. 'In those situations you need to have as much information as you can.[LNB]'But we need to understand that we are second from bottom.[LNB]'In our position we need to make sure we give everything we have got to try to get the three points.'[LNB] Superb strike: N'Zogbia scores a free-kick against West Ham[LNB]Martinez, noted for his dapper appearance, hopes to look on from the touchline at Stoke wearing his favourite jacket.[LNB]The former Latics captain's lucky garment was ripped in the celebrations after N'Zogbia's remarkable winner last week.[LNB]'We are hoping it is going to make a good recovery,' said Martinez, still finding time to joke despite the pressure on his side.[LNB]'I have had a few notes of good wishes and hopefully there is going to be a good ending.[LNB]'I normally have a jacket per season. It gives me a good feeling!'[LNB] Stoke v WIGAN: Latics at full strength for battle against relegationOn-loan keeper Al Habsi wants to stay at Wigan if they remain in top flightSunderland lead Juventus and Newcastle in race for Wigan's N'ZogbiaAll the latest Wigan news features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Tony Pulis, Roberto Martinez Places: Birmingham
