Challenge remains the same for Martinez

12 August 2010 16:01
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez heads into his second season as a top-flight manager admitting he still has the same concerns and worries as he did 12 months ago. When the likeable Spaniard came in last summer there were those who doubted he had the necessary credentials to take over from Steve Bruce. He had won plaudits at Swansea for the way his team played - and the League One title - but the Latics were tipped for relegation from the Barclays Premier League under his leadership. Martinez proved his critics wrong by helping the club avoid the drop, but that has not stopped Wigan being touted as contenders for relegation again. What people say about him or his team is not a concern for the 37-year-old and it does certainly not motivate him more. However, he admits a new season brings back all the familiar feelings associated with being manager and even a year's Premier League experience does not change that. "In general there is nothing different. You still have your concerns and the areas you want to improve within the squad, so everything overall is similar," he said. "You always get excited about the first game, you always worry about the opposition, it is exactly the same feeling. We know what we have to improve and that is what we are focused on."

Source: PA