Latics Aim For Europe

Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez has spoken about his European ambition, his desire to get the Latics firmly on the map and also on the road by making qualification of the Uefa Europa League a priority for the club.

Now some managers and fans think that being in this competition can be detrimental to survival in the Premier League but I am with Roberto on this, he says that you have to have ambition and progress and not just be content with treading water above the drop zone

Speaking to the press Martinez says: "You need to have an aim and our aim is to get into Europe. That shows you are progressing and we need to fight for that.

"We are not happy with just trying to survive in the Premier League.

"It brings different demands and we probably need a bigger squad and that`s the challenge.

"I don`t see it as a poisoned chalice. The demands are there, but you can show you have the mentality to be a winner, the arrogance to compete against anyone, and that`s going to give you more points over a season.

"We have to show we have ambition and believe we will be good enough to get into Europe."

Fulham, who are todays opponents at the DW Stadium are a great example of a club showing some ambition, they have an excellent manager in Roy Hodgson and the buzz and anticipation around Craven Cottage is lifting the club rather than weighing it down.

Martinez continues: 'Fulham are a great example.

"Many expected them to get relegated the season before last, but after their great escape they`ve gone from strength to strength.

"We want to play Roma and Europe`s top teams.

"They have had injuries this season, but some of their performances, against Manchester City and Liverpool, showed that belief you get when you play in Europe."




Fans Forum Ticket Competition

Vital Latics have two tickets on offer for the up and coming Wigan Athletic fans forum to be held at the DW Stadium in the DW Fitness Lounge located in the South Stand on Tuesday 17th November 7pm kick-off.

The fans forum will give supporters the opportunity to meet and question manager Roberto Martinez; also there is a hotpot supper included, now that does make the mouth water.

Full details of the event are on the official site and can be viewed by clicking here

The event has always proved very popular in the past so if you want to be the lucky winner of two tickets, supplied by Wigan Athletic, then answer the following question and enter via link provided, closing date 10th November 5 pm.

Who is Roberto`s assistant manager:
a) Graeme Jones
b) Steve Bruce
c) Arsene Wenger

To enter click here










You can listen to the Latics Speyk podcasts now by clicking on the player here:

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.