Source: Team_Talk
Martinez hails hard-working Latics
Roberto Martinez claimed his Wigan players had been prepared to die for each other after watching them earn a superb 1-0 win at Tottenham.[LNB] The Latics' win at White Hart Lane came on the back of 4-0 and 6-0 defeats in their opening two games of the campaign.[LNB]They had also shipped nine goals in the corresponding fixture last season but their defence was simply unrecognisable from those debacles.[LNB]"The type of performance we had today was really of a group of players really committed," said manager Martinez after watching Hugo Rodallega net an 80th-minute winner.[LNB]"They were prepared to give their lives for each other."[LNB]The Latics boss admitted his side had lacked such qualities in previous matches.[LNB]"We were missing that togetherness, that team spirit," he said.[LNB]"But today, everyone will agree that we had that in abundance."[LNB]Revealing how such a dramatic turnaround in fortunes had been achieved in just a week, Martinez added: "We are a team that want to be really brave, we want to play face to face with all the teams.[LNB]"Unless you are very disciplined and you are prepared to cover those two yards sometimes with real intensity then you're going to get hurt.[LNB]"We addressed that approach more than anything and I think you saw that.[LNB]"Spurs put a lot of pressure on in the second half and we didn't really look under any exposure.[LNB]"We were a team for once, and that allowed the football side to make a difference."[LNB]Wigan's new-found spirit was typified by the performance of centre-backs Steve Gohouri and Antolin Alcaraz.[LNB]"When you play against Spurs, you know you're going to be really tested," Martinez said.[LNB]"That partnership today allowed us to perform in the manner that we did."[LNB]On-loan Bolton goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi - retained from the midweek Carling Cup second-round win at Hartlepool - also dealt brilliantly with the few shots he had to save.[LNB]"He had a great performance against Hartlepool in the League Cup and you could see that feeling was really there," said Martinez, who revealed regular number one Chris Kirkland had a hip problem.[LNB]"I saw a goalkeeper dominant, he always made the right decisions and when you've got that at the back, it allows the defenders to be confident."[LNB]Asked whether Wigan had now turned the corner, Martinez said: "There are many things that we need to improve.[LNB]"I think we need to be better on the ball. We can be a lot better than what we showed today."[LNB]Spurs boss Harry Redknapp's worst fears were realised as his side suffered what appeared a hangover from their historic progress to the Champions League group stage.[LNB]But Redknapp insisted Wednesday night's exertions were no excuse, saying: "Why should it be? You should come here today full of confidence after winning 4-0 in a Champions League game.[LNB]"You should come here today and feel fantastic about yourself, not have a hangover or feel lethargic.[LNB]"You should go out there today knowing the crowd love you and the way you played on the Wednesday and last Saturday and come here and really play today."[LNB]Redknapp also had a slight dig at the crowd, saying: "I fear these games more than any other games. These are not games that you enjoy.[LNB]"People turn up here today and they expect you to walk all over them.[LNB]"After two minutes, we give the ball away and they're, 'Ooooh' - they're on your case."[LNB]Wigan denied Tottenham time and space all afternoon and Redknapp added: "People have got to work harder to get in the game. Too many today were too easily marked out of the game."[LNB]Admitting his side missed injured midfielder Luka Modric, the Spurs boss said: "We lacked the guile to break them down."[LNB]"You miss Modric in these games.[LNB]"When the games are tight, he takes the ball for you."[LNB]Redknapp also maintained there was little chance of Spurs signing anyone before the transfer window closes, including Scott Parker and Ashley Young.
