Source: team_talk
Martinez ready to paint Toon red
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is preparing to paint Newcastle red in Monday's Premier League clash at St James' Park.
The Latics manager was boosted by the first hour of his side's performance against defending champions Manchester City in midweek and hopes the debut of Wigan's new all-red third kit will evoke memories of previous successes.
It will be the first time Wigan have played in red since 2003 when they were crowned Division Two champions.
Martinez hopes the return to red will help evoke a winning mentality against a Newcastle side desperate for a win.
"We have some very happy memories of playing in red kits and I feel it's important that you associate iconic kits with success," the Spaniard said.
"Hopefully we will be able to look back on Monday's game with similar sentiments.
"First when we wore red it was a very nice moment in the victory against Huddersfield in the 100 point season to get promotion and I don't think we were very lucky with our third kit being white so we're looking to see how we can perform with this new kit."
Wigan are unable to play in blue and white stripes or black due to Newcastle's shirt designs.
The Magpies, who are just one place above Wigan in the overall league standings in 14th place, will be hoping to turn around their form after they failed to win a game in any competition last month.
Their most recent victory came at home to West Brom on 28 October but Martinez is refusing to take Alan Pardew's side lightly.
"We need to remember that Newcastle are capable of reaching really good heights of performance and results," Martinez said.
"Remember what they achieved last season was a phenomenal achievement and it's going to be a very difficult game.
"Sometimes in this league you can get in a run of bad results but we're going to expect Newcastle to perform very well on Monday and make if difficult.
"But from our point of view you get that feeling that you can't wait to get out on the pitch again after Wednesday.
"After the performance on Wednesday you get the feeling of frustration to get a positive result and we are looking forward to the next game and that is at St James' Park which is a phenomenal football environment."
While their league form as taken a dip, Newcastle have been enjoying success in Europe and have already qualified for the Europa League round of 32.
However, Martinez does not think competing in an extra tournament is to blame for their five-game winless run in the Premier League.
"I've seen Newcastle play this season, it was the game against Liverpool (where they drew 1-1), and they never lost their competitive edge," Martinez said.
"They are a very difficult team to play against and are a team of real quality and up front they can score with ease.
"I don't think the threat of the team has been touched at all. The negative result is something that happens to everyone in this league and we are going to have to be focused and show good concentration to face this Newcastle side on Monday.
"From our point of view we can't wait to get out on a football pitch and get the positive result I think our level of performance would allow us to have."
One area of concern for Martinez is Wigan's lack of goals. They currently have the third worst goal difference in the league, highlighted as they squandered several good chances against Manchester City before losing 2-0.
"I do feel away from home we have been performing consistently every game and it is just a matter of trying to take the opportunities and be a bit ruthless defending our goal so we can get the results," Martinez said.
"The performances have been really bright and really good from a creative point of view and that eventually will bring the goals."
