Source: Team_Talk
Martinez looking for cup boost
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez believes a Carling Cup outing is just what his team needs to iron out their problems.[LNB] Wigan have shown considerable improvement since their Premier League season opened with thrashings at the hands of Blackpool and Chelsea.[LNB]But after frustrating big spenders Manchester City for large spells at the DW Stadium on Sunday, they were undone by a series of defensive gaffes as they lost 2-0.[LNB]Martinez hopes Wednesday's visit from Championship side Preston will help them get that out of their system quickly.[LNB]The Spaniard said: "We didn't do too much wrong in terms of the way we conceded the goals but it was shocking decisions, shocking moments that make it very difficult to win a football game.[LNB]"It is very important we get out on the pitch as soon as we can to make sure we flush out the feeling we were left with on Sunday and we progress.[LNB]"At the moment we are getting heavily punished.[LNB]"Goals really change games - more than the effects to yourself it really affects the opposition in a great manner.[LNB]"When you are playing against world-class players they take advantage of those situations.[LNB]"The goals were very soft and in many ways we need to work to stop them."[LNB]Martinez claims there is still much improvement to come from his side.[LNB]Now in his second season as manager of the club, the former Latics player brought in a number of new faces in the summer he feels still need time to adjust.[LNB]Recent signings Steven Gohouri, Ronnie Stam, Antolin Alcaraz, Franco Di Santo, Mauro Boselli and Steven Caldwell were all part of the matchday squad to face City.[LNB]Martinez said: "We are a new group gelling together and we are missing that edge between partnerships.[LNB]"The way we sense danger and the way we have to be ruthless in games and having that right balance of when to defend and be negative or be positive, that is important.[LNB]"To fulfil our potential as a team we need to make sure we stay in games and make sure are harder to beat."[LNB]Another new arrival, Tom Cleverley, faces a period on the sidelines after suffering a knee ligament injury in training.[LNB]The on-loan Manchester United midfielder, 21, will definitely miss the Preston clash and the weekend trip to Birmingham.[LNB]Martinez said: "It will probably be another two weeks.[LNB]"He is a strong, fit boy but he has a little problem with his medial ligament.[LNB]"We hope it is going to heal quicker than anyone expected but this week is probably too quick for him."
