Wigan Athletic FC

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• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

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Martinez receives Latics backing

23 Aug 2010 - 10:18:49

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Wigan midfielder James McCarthy has leapt to the defence of under-fire Latics boss Roberto Martinez.

Martinez has emerged as the bookies' favourite to be the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season following a disastrous start to the new campaign.

The Latics followed up their opening day 4-0 defeat at newly-promoted Blackpool with a 6-0 humbling at home to champions Chelsea on Saturday.

Last season they lost 8-0 to Chelsea and 9-1 to Tottenham after two humiliating displays, but McCarthy claims Spanish coach Martinez remains the right man for the DW Stadium hot-seat.

He said: "I don't want to get involved in that, but everybody is backing the manager. He is a great manager.

"We've suffered two defeats and hopefully we can now lift ourselves on Tuesday.

"We'll go there (Hartlepool United in the League Cup) and try and give it our all.

"Of course, the manager isn't happy and rightly so. Conceding five goals in the second half is not acceptable and we need to address that.

"We just need to work on the training ground. I'm sure it's as simple as that."