Martinez - 'A lack of energy in the players'

Latics boss Roberto Martinez reckoned yesterdays encounter with Manchester United was just a game too far for his tired squad

Obviously a club the size of United have much more quality throughout their entire squad and are able to make whole sale changes without too much effect on the starting eleven. Latics in contrast have a first eleven and one or two others who can come in and do a job, this time of year with games coming thick and fast that size in quality can make a massive difference

Speaking to the Latics official site about this Martinez said - 'Frustratingly, I don't think we were able to compete with a side with the quality that Manchester United has.

'There was a lack of energy in the players which is understandable given that this is our fourth game in eleven days and in many ways this was the wrong opposition to play against.

'They were able to make five changes at the start of the day and that freshness made a real difference.

'We started the game looking very positive and reaching good levels, but then a couple of second phases from set pieces led to the opening goals which highlighted how tired we were in moments when you need to be completely concentrated.

'It's a game we need to move on from quickly and accept that it was just the wrong time to play the league leaders with the size and fitness of their squad.

'It was an unfair match for us today but we'll put it behind us and concentrate on getting everyone fit and healthy once more so that we can rotate the squad in the second-half of the season and share the demands of the game.'


















Latics and Proud



Fancy writing an article about the Latics? Why not get in touch, we are always looking for new contributors, after all we are all Latics fans here and want to get the Latics message to the world, so if you have a favourite match or Latics memory get it jotted down, or whatever you want to say put it into an email and send it to us here at Vital Wigan

To get your article published just click here and we will put it onto the site

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