Martinez plans to battle on as he becomes favourite to win sack race
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Wigan Athletic's embattled young manager Roberto Martinez believes he can survive the blitz of goals which has endangered a career which sparkled with promise after some showcase victories last season.
Martinez, appointed after impressive work at Swansea and hugely popular from his playing days in Wigan, insists that he will fight on without compromising the playing style which brought wins over such as Chelsea – Saturday's 6-0 conquerors – Liverpool and Arsenal.
Saturday's Chelsea defeat, though, was a devastating blow coming after the opening-day collapse against newly promoted Blackpool – and an 8-0 romp by Chelsea in the final league game of last season.
Martinez insists the club, whose most talented player, Charles N'Zogbia has been embroiled in transfer speculation, will stabilise when the window closes at the end of the month. "Once the transfer window is closed our squad will be finalised and we can work on a day-by-day basis," he declares.
"In the meantime I will not be abandoning our style of football. I was proud of the way we played against a great team in the first half and when we let it slip in the last 15 minutes that wasn't about our style of football. It was about concentration and character, and we will work on that."
This is assuming he keeps the confidence of chairman Dave Whelan. They spoke after the game but without, apparently, any firm conclusions. The bookmakers are less optimistic than Martinez. They make him the 9-4 favourite to feel the first wielding of this new season's Premier League axe.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments