Source: Team_Talk
Martinez eyes confidence booster
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez will look for some relief as he takes his side to Hartlepool in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.[LNB] The Spaniard is already under pressure just two games into the new season after two heavy defeats.[LNB]The Latics are bottom of the table with a goal difference of minus 10 following thrashings by champions Chelsea and promoted Blackpool.[LNB]With Wigan facing another tough test next weekend at Tottenham - where they were thrashed 9-1 last season - bookmakers have cut the odds on Martinez being the next top-flight boss out of work.[LNB]Defeat at League One Hartlepool on Tuesday is unthinkable for Martinez and something he could ill afford.[LNB]He is therefore likely to field a strong team at Victoria Park in the hope of instilling some much-needed confidence.[LNB]Martinez said: "We cannot be that weak and naive when things are not going our way, and that has been the case for the past year, not just this season.[LNB]"It is something we need to eradicate from our football club quickly.[LNB]"It is time to stop giving silly goals away and do justice to the quality we have got."[LNB]Wigan overcame a poor run of form last season to successfully win their fight against relegation but their current poor trot began with an 8-0 thrashing by Chelsea in May.[LNB]Martinez is urging the fans to get behind the team as they attempt to arrest their slump.[LNB]He said: "I can understand the fans booing us off because it is another game we have not got any points from.[LNB]"I would just ask the fans to forget about the scoreline, if they can, and get behind this group of players."[LNB]Defender Maynor Figueroa will miss the trip to Hartlepool after being carried off on a stretcher with an ankle injury against Chelsea.[LNB]Martinez otherwise has a fully-fit squad and could include new signing Steven Caldwell, who joined the club on a one-year deal today.[LNB]The 29-year-old, who was a free agent after leaving Burnley, links up with his younger brother and club captain Gary at the DW Stadium following a successful trial.[LNB]Steven Caldwell said: "Gary has of course told me what the club is like and how impressed he has been with the set-up here and I am delighted to have sorted out my future now.[LNB]"I have already got to know the lads over the past few weeks and I can't wait to get started and fight for my place."[LNB]The Caldwells are not the first brothers to be at Wigan at the same time; Warren and Wayne Aspinall were players at Springfield Park in the mid-1980s.[LNB]Steven Caldwell played in a friendly against Dundee United earlier this month and Martinez has been impressed by his attitude.[LNB]"We have seen what Steven is all about during his time here - he is a leader on and off the field and a great personality to have in the dressing room," he said.[LNB]"He has shown real professionalism in his time with us and we are delighted to have him on board.[LNB]"He has good experience of the Premier League and has played in the Champions League and UEFA Cup, plus is a full Scotland international.[LNB]"He is a totally committed defender who will add fantastic competition to the squad."
