Martinez - Latics in transition

Wigan boss preparing for new season

Last updated: 3rd July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Martinez - Latics in transition

Martinez: Transitional time

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Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has admitted the club are going through a transitional period ahead of the new Premier League season.

Martinez was brought in to fill the void left by Steve Bruce's departure for Sunderland, while key winger Antonio Valencia has departed for Manchester United.

The Spaniard will be tasked with building on last season's impressive 11th-place finish and is eager to make his mark during pre-season training.

The former Swansea boss, who has bolstered his ranks with the signings of Jordi Gomez and Hendry Thomas, is determined to ensure his players are fully prepared for the opening game of the season at Aston Villa on 15th August.

"In football you set your own standards," Martinez told Sky Sports News.

Excited

"I've seen the players we have got in our squad, you look at their careers and their pedigree. They have got high standards and they are winners.

"It's (pre-season) going to be high-intensity and very competitive. This period is going to be huge for us - to have the option to work on different things and make sure we prepare ourselves well for what is going to be a very challenging time.

"We have lost a few players. It was a great season in terms of the results that Wigan achieved, finishing 11th is a great target.

"We are in the middle of a bit of transitional time and the best time to do that is in pre-season.

"I just want the players to be excited, to look forward to the challenge ahead and make sure they are ready for the competition."