Martinez lauds Latics

16 August 2009 09:55
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez hailed the performance of his players following their impressive 2-0 opening day victory at Aston Villa. Goals from Hugo Rodallega and Jason Koumas earned Martinez's men a deserved three points and Wigan's display will have confounded the doubters who feared the summer exits of Antonio Valencia to Manchester United and Lee Cattermole to Sunderland would leave them facing a season of struggle. Martinez said: "I always felt that we had too many disruptions this pre-season and we knew the key to the game was going to be the first 10, 15 minutes, and Aston Villa didn't disappoint us. "They put us under massive pressure, they looked very, very sharp, and I'm proud of the players for the way they dealt with that situation. After that, Wigan Athletic deserved to win. "It's been a big turnaround and credit should go to the players." When asked if he would employ the free-flowing football on show in every match this season, the Spaniard replied: "Yes. As always in football you need to find solutions, you need to be wary of the opposition, but football is about enjoying yourself and making sure you can express yourself as well."

Source: Eurosport