Martinez moves to soothe row

29 October 2009 11:23
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez insists it is not in his nature to be 'outspoken' after confirming he had spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson to clarify comments regarding the Manchester United manager.[LNB] A Spanish newspaper on Wednesday quoted Martinez as saying Ferguson wielded too much power in football and was not being properly punished by the Football Association.[LNB]There was also the suggestion that former Wigan boss Steve Bruce and Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce helped Ferguson in launching verbal attacks on Liverpool chief Rafa Benitez.[LNB]But Martinez has moved to nip in the bud any chance of a rift with his Premier League counterparts by discussing the matter with Ferguson and his peers.[LNB]Disrespectful"It was an unfortunate article," Martinez told Sky Sports News. "I looked at the article and I found it really disrespectful and full of bad taste. It doesn't represent myself or any of my views.[LNB]"Fortunately, I've been in the British game for 14 years and I'm very open with the media. Everyone who knows me knows I can speak about any subject, but in Spain you don't really know how it works there, it's a completely different structure.[LNB]"It's not the first time, and I don't think it will be the last time, that there is some misinterpretation, false declarations and probably things taken out of context.[LNB]"I've got the utmost respect for Sir Alex Ferguson, Steve Bruce, Sam Allardyce and Rafa Benitez."[LNB]Martinez added: "Those managers have probably been in this situation and know how things work. I have had a lot of support in that respect.[LNB]"To speak about other managers you need to win the league. But it is not in my nature to be outspoken.[LNB]"Sir Alex is probably the best manager in the world while Steve has worked under him and we have a good relationship as he worked at Wigan before me.[LNB]"As for Sam I respect his achievements and what he has done in the Premier League. I also respect Rafa as he is one of the most successful Spanish managers ever."[LNB]DisappointedConfirming he has spoken to his four contemporaries, Martinez continued: "I have spoken with everyone, with Sir Alex Ferguson, Sam Allardyce, Steve Bruce and Rafa Benitez.[LNB]"Obviously, I want to have things very, very clear. I've got the utmost respect for all of them and their achievements in management and as colleagues in the best league in world football.[LNB]"I wouldn't accept that from any other manager, those sort of comments, and I'm sure they understand.[LNB]"It is important they all know I was very disappointed with the stories that were circulating. It is a very unfortunate situation, but people need to understand what happened."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports