Wigan boss Martinez vows to pursue strategy

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has insisted the Latics will play in the same attacking fashion that saw them beat Aston Villa when they face the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.

Former Wigan midfielder Martinez made a stunning start to life as a manager in the Premier League with a 2-0 opening day win away to Villa on Saturday and is determined to play positively even against the best sides in the country.

The Spaniard established a reputation for enterprising football at former club Swansea and has made it clear he is only prepared to lose in style.

Wigan secured their first ever opening day victory in the top-flight at Villa Park and Martinez’s classy side will undoubtedly be one of the more attractive teams to watch this season.

“I would still play football at the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea and we will always try and play this way,” Martinez said.

He added: “I’ve been told that Wigan have lost against those teams in the last four years but if we’re going to lose, we will lose in style.

“You have to be brave and take pride in what you’re doing. Football is about enjoying yourself and making sure you can express yourself.

“If you don’t enjoy football played like that you’re in the wrong business.

“I take pride in the high standards of the players and I want them to be creative. I want them to put a smile on the supporters’ faces and they have done that today (Saturday).

“We all knew this was going to be a difficult game but I’m very proud of the players for the performance. All the credit should go to them because we have lost a lot of players this summer.”

Hugo Rodallega gave Wigan the lead with a spectacular goal after 31 minutes before Jason Koumas made the points safe with a 56th minute strike.

Martin O’Neill’s Villa were well beaten and were booed off at the end of both halves by their frustrated supporters – only 90 minutes into the season.

Debutants Fabian Delph and Habib Beye were also substituted after disappointing performances but O’Neill refuesd to panic.

“If you (the supporters) pay your money, you can criticise if you see fit,” he said.

“It’s a disappointment really because after the initial 15 minutes we were second-best all afternoon.

“The fans would be disappointed with that performance. This is a new team and we’ve got to get ready for it.

“You can analyse everything but we were tired, which was a surprise. We need to get some more players,” O’Neill added.

“It’s a lengthy season and I’m going to have to look after the players. We played well enough last season to overcome a number of hurdles and we’ve got to do the same again.”