Charles N'Zogbia Speaks About Roberto Martinez

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Charles N'Zogbia may have left Wigan Athletic in July for the dizzy heights of Aston Villa, but it would appear that Charlie's heart is still very much attached to the Latics.

During the recent international break, and having been left out of the France squad, N'Zogbia took advantage of some free time and headed for a short break to New York, whilst there the 25 year old was interviewed by Jack Bell of the New York Times.

During the interview Charlie was asked about his time at the Latics and his views on Roberto Martinez, his response was quite revealing and he couldn't speak highly enough about Martinez both as a coach and a man, below is an excerpt from the interview:

Q. When you left Newcastle for Wigan, was Roberto Martinez the coach?

A. No. After my four years in Newcastle the coach at Wigan was Steve Bruce, who is now the manager of Sunderland. I think he wanted me to come because I was going through a really tough time my last year in Newcastle. He wanted me to clear my head and play the football.

Q. We hear so much about Martinez and what a terrific manager he is.

A. He brings me into … he's a really good manager, a strong person and really good man. It's really a good feeling when you go through a tough time. He can talk to you, he can understand how players are working because he knows everyone is different. Honesty, he`s a really truth man. He's not going to lie to you. You know what you can achieve, he tells you exactly what you need to do to get to the top of football.

Q. What was it about him that seemed to bring out the best in you?

A. It was just the way he wanted to see the football. Sometimes managers just want long balls. Not him. He said we have some good players. Let's work on it, keep players on the ball. Anyone who does not want to play this way, I don't want to take them. It was clear. He wanted to see football, see people take chances, he wanted players to show what they can do on the ball. That`s why he`s good. I think we played good football, but even when we lose, no matter what, he wanted people to show their skill. His mentality was to stick to what he believes. Last year what we were missing were some strong defenders.

Q. Were you nervous about being relegated?

A. No, not nervous. We were still going to fight. We stayed up in the last game.

Q. You play Wigan on Oct. 1. Is it just another game?

A. Yes, it is just another game. For me, I have been in England six, seven years. It's a normal game. For me playing at the stadium in Wigan, it's like in my home. I can't wait. When I was there I was working hard for the team, I never let them down. I'm a player that didn't just come for the money. It was about enjoying my football two, three years.

To read the interview in full visit: goal.blogs.nytimes.com

Charlie's heart is still in Wigan

By permission of Bernard Platt/Wigan Athletic

















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