Martinez ready for Chelsea test

21 August 2010 09:35
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has boldly claimed the visit of Chelsea offers his side the perfect opportunity to kickstart their season.[LNB] After a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of promoted Blackpool on the opening day of the Premier League, tackling the champions on Saturday would seem a daunting prospect.[LNB]Wigan were also thrashed 8-0 by the Londoners on the final day of last season but Martinez wants to rekindle the spirit of last September's shock defeat of Carlo Ancelotti's men at the DW Stadium.[LNB]The Spaniard said: "That was a key win because it was the first one in the club's history against one of the top four. It wasn't just one win against Chelsea.[LNB]"I think in the manner of it everyone agreed we deserved to win.[LNB]"There aren't many teams that get in that situation against Chelsea.[LNB]"This season they have hit form straight away. They have just beaten West Brom 6-0. We will have to be at our very best and it will be a very big test but we are excited.[LNB]"We want to be on the pitch and we are going to flush away our disappointment.[LNB]"It is about the performance, the reaction, and it is a game that can't come quickly enough."[LNB]Martinez will consider recalling winger Charles N'Zogbia despite continuing speculation over the newly-capped France international's future.[LNB]Aston Villa are the latest club to be linked with N'Zogbia, who was left out by Martinez last week.[LNB]Martinez said the player was not mentally ready to play against Blackpool amid the rumoured interest from elsewhere but he has denied there is a rift between the pair.[LNB]N'Zogbia could replace Victor Moses, who is out with a calf injury, after training as usual this week.[LNB]Martinez says he has been pleased with the reaction of his all players in training as they come to terms with their Blackpool nightmare.[LNB]He said: "Now it is a matter of getting on the pitch and making sure our fans give us the starting point we always need at home, so we can make them proud once more.[LNB]"We are a group of players with huge desire to win football games.[LNB]"They were very hurt and they really care about what they do on a football pitch.[LNB]"I know the fans were hurt and disappointed, as we all were, but now is the time to get rid of that hurt and frustration."

Source: Team_Talk