Source: Team_Talk
Martinez: Bravery can keep us up
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is convinced his side showed the spirit in defeat at Manchester City that will save them from relegation.[LNB] The Latics still have work to do to preserve their Premier League status after Monday's controversial 3-0 loss at Eastlands left them just four points above the relegation zone.[LNB]But Martinez was pleased with the Wigan performance against City, even after the sending off of Gary Caldwell that preceded Carlos Tevez's late hat-trick, and wants more of the same at Fulham on Sunday.[LNB]Martinez said: "It is not about feeling sorry for ourselves - those situations happen.[LNB]"For the first hour I was very pleased with the performance and proud of the players.[LNB]"We stopped Manchester City being a threat and we were showing we are capable of being a threat ourselves.[LNB]"The sending off changed a lot of things but even then we had a period of seven minutes when we had two very good chances.[LNB]"We played with a great, brave approach. I felt in many aspects we were the better side.[LNB]"I take more positives then negatives from Monday's performance.[LNB]"We didn't get any points but if we carry on with those standards we are going to get the points and the rewards.[LNB]"We are showing consistently now we can reach certain levels and that is very pleasing. The next step is to show that in the results as well."[LNB]Martinez has redeveloped the Wigan team after the high-profile departures of Emile Heskey, Wilson Palacios and Antonio Valencia at various points in 2009 left it light on star quality.[LNB]Wigan have also suffered some heavy defeats, not least a 9-1 thrashing by Tottenham in November, and emerged from a difficult winter spent playing on a poor surface at the DW Stadium.[LNB]Martinez feels good progress has been made and now he just needs survival to complete a satisfactory first season in charge.[LNB]The Spaniard added: "We are the team we are because of all the setbacks and the things we have had to experience this season.[LNB]"I think everyone will agree it has been a challenging campaign.[LNB]"I don't think we have had anything easy or many things going our way.[LNB]"But you have seen the character and the way we react to disappointment.[LNB]"Without a doubt, we are a stronger unit and a stronger football club than we were in July and August.[LNB]"We are excited about the next six games. It is a huge 18 points to play for and I can guarantee we are all ready."[LNB]Wigan may benefit from Fulham's prolonged run in the Europa League by facing a weakened side at Craven Cottage.[LNB]The match comes between the two legs of their quarter-final tie against Wolfsburg and manager Roy Hodgson could rest a number of players, as he did at Hull last week.[LNB]Martinez feels Fulham have earned the right to select such a team and is a huge admirer of what the London club have achieved since Hodgson saved them from relegation two years ago.[LNB]"He is a gentleman and a football man and in the modern game I don't think you get those two things together too often," said Martinez of his opposite number.[LNB]"He is a great inspiration for all the teams at the wrong end of the table, where Fulham were a couple of years back.[LNB]"They have turned their fortunes around and they have beaten two of the best teams in Europe in Juventus and Shakhtar Donetsk.[LNB]"They are a clear example for anyone in the Premier League.[LNB]"Sometimes without finances you need to find other solutions, be creative and a little bit different.[LNB]"Roy Hodgson has been with his Fulham side and it can give you great returns."
