Martinez plays down Bruce factor

Published: 05 Feb 2010 - 13:15:51

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Wigan manager Roberto Martinez will not allow the match at Sunderland to become a personal battle against opposite number Steve Bruce as there are more important issues at stake.Bruce left the Latics in the summer after being lured by the greater finances and supposed better prospects on offer at the Stadium of Light.However, the former Manchester United defender has found life tough in his native north east with the Black Cats on a run of just one win in their last 14 league matches. That has has left them 13th but just three points above the relegation zone having spent the best part of £35million since the summer.Martinez is in a similar situation, with his side two points behind the Black Cats having won only one in eight league games having been restricted to considerably less out-lay in the transfer market.Martinez said: "It is a huge game. If you look at the positions in the table they have played a game more than us but are two points ahead. That shows you the importance of three points on Saturday. Sunderland are a little low on confidence and have found it difficult to get results recently."We need to make sure we don't get affected because it is not about who is the manager, it is about the importance of the game and the points. There are too many important issues to look into any individuals connected to both clubs."

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