Whelan backs Martinez

Latics chief also aims swipe at Bruce

Last updated: 23rd November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Whelan backs Martinez
He is Wigan's manager and I have complete faith in him and I know the supporters have

. Dave Whelan
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Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has given his backing to Roberto Martinez following their 9-1 humiliation at the hands of Tottenham.

The Latics were humbled at White Hart Lane on Sunday as Spurs and Jermain Defoe ran riot in North London to record Tottenham's biggest win in the Premier League.

Trailing 1-0 at the break, Wigan capitulated in the second half as Defoe helped himself to five goals to pile the misery on Martinez and Wigan.

Despite the embarrassing defeat Whelan insists he still has complete faith in Martinez and is confident the Spaniard can turn things around.

"Roberto, even if we lose 1-0 or we don't play well, he worries about it," Whelan told Sky Sports News. "He will get up and over it.

"You have to say Tottenham played superbly well, I mean they were just lightning and Defoe was absolutely amazing and I look forward to seeing him playing like that for England.

"9-1 is a serious, serious defeat and we have got to get our heads up and I am sure Roberto will be working on the lads now to get them going again and get their heads back in the air and get some pride back in Wigan Athletic."

Whelan also aimed a swipe at former Latics boss Steve Bruce for leaving Martinez with some 'dodgy signings' following his departure to Sunderland.

"He is Wigan's manager and I have complete faith in him and I know the supporters have," added Whelan.

"He has got a difficult time, he inherited a team that was a little bit weak on reserves when Steve [Bruce] left.

"Steve actually had a few dodgy signings just before he left Wigan and he has inherited those dodgy signings so I can't blame Roberto one iota.

"I am absolutely 100 per cent behind Roberto, he's a great manager and he will pull this team around.

"We have got two home games next - Sunderland then Birmingham at home we want six points and that's the only thing we want.

"A win next Saturday will lift everything, lift our supporters, and will lift Roberto.

"So please believe me Wigan Athletic are not dead in the water."