Source: Daily_Mail
Roberto Martinez will manage Real Madrid or Barcelona, says Wigan chairman
Roberto Martinez is destined to reach the very top in management according to Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, who has predicted the Latics boss will leave within two years to manage... Real Madrid or Barcelona![LNB]The 37-year-old Spaniard managed to spare the Barclays Premier League club from relegation last season masterminding a memorable last-day win at Stoke.[LNB]And Whelan is convinced that the former Swansea boss has the right qualities to manage either of the top two Spanish giants in the near future.[LNB] Special one: Wigan chairman Dave Whelan believes Roberto Martinez can go on and manage an elite club in Europe[LNB]'Roberto is one of the youngest, brightest managers around and I really do think that he will only get better and that he has everything you need to take over at one of the biggest clubs on the continent,' When told Goal.[LNB]'I think that in two, three or four years he will be at Barcelona or Real Madrid and there is absolutely no doubt about that because Roberto is a brilliant manager.[LNB]'There are lots of factors that make him so special but the main things that spring to mind are his overall knowledge of the game and he is always interested in developing young players.[LNB]'He is tactically very astute, mentally very tough and his man-management skills are excellent but it's got to be remembered that he is still learning his trade in the Premier League which is the toughest, most unforgiving league in the world.[LNB] Watch out, fellas: Whelan believes Martinez will bag either Real Madrid manager Jose Moruinho or Barca boss Pep Guardiola's job in the coming years[LNB]'Roberto has lots of qualities but the over-riding thing is that he has a massive desire to succeed within him that will take him to one of the very biggest clubs in Europe. I have no doubt about that.'[LNB]Whelan's extraordinary claim could explain why Martinez rejected the opportunity to discuss the Aston Villa vacancy earlier this summer, before Alex McLeish was appointed.[LNB]Martinez opted to stay and is now expected to transform Wigan from eternal relegation fodder to top 10 contenders.[LNB] High times: Martinez is expected to transform Wigan into top 10 contenders this season[LNB]Whelan added: 'We want to finish in the top half of the league and that is the target we have set ourselves.[LNB]'While we have got Roberto we are in good hands because he has got very good ideas and he has assembled a very young side which is what he wanted to do. It will be interesting this year to see how our youngsters kick on.[LNB]'Hopefully we will get a better start this year than we did last year when we were hammered 4-0 by newly-promoted Blackpool!'[LNB]Meanwhile, Wigan goalkeeper Mike Pollitt has agreed a new 12-month contract to extend his stay at the club into a seventh year.[LNB]The 39-year-old's previous deal expired at the end of the season but the services of the Latics' longest-serving player have been secured for another campaign as back-up to new permanent signing Ali Al Habsi.[LNB]'Mike is a terrific goalkeeper first and foremost with great experience and he continues to set standards on a daily basis that the younger players can follow,' said manager Roberto Martinez.[LNB]'He has been patient during his time at the club but has never been anything less than totally professional and committed to the club.'[LNB]Pollitt was delighted to remain at the DW Stadium.[LNB]'It had been an on-going issue for a few weeks and now we've gladly all come to an agreement,' he said.[LNB]'I'm 39 now, approaching my seventh season at the club and although I am keen to develop as a coach at some stage right now I'm focused on the playing aspect of the game because I feel I've still got plenty to offer to the team given the opportunity.'[LNB] Bolton goalkeeper Al Habsi completes permanent switch to Wigan West Brom and Wigan eye move for out-of-contract Boro stay-away ArcaI almost signed ?17.8m De Gea for nothing, rues Wigan boss MartinezAll the latest Wigan news, features and opinion [LNB]
