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Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has given manager Roberto Martinez a glowing review and remarked that he expects the Spaniard to be at the helm of Barcelona or Real Madrid in a couple of years’ time. He said that he had seen enough evidence of Martinez’s managerial know-how to be convinced that he has what it takes to manage an elite European club.
Speaking to Goal.com, Whelan gushed about Martinez to no end, praising the work he had done at Wigan so far and looking forward to progress next season. He particularly highlighted Martinez’s in depth knowledge of the game and willingness to invest in youth. He said-
“I think that in two, three or four years he will be at Barcelona or Real Madrid and there is absolutely no doubt about that because Roberto is a brilliant manager,”
“Roberto is one of the youngest, brightest managers around and I really do think that he will only get better and that he has everything you need to take over at one of the biggest clubs on the continent.
“There are lots of factors that make him so special but the main things that spring to mind are his overall knowledge of the game and he is always interested in developing young players.“
“He is tactically very astute, mentally very tough and his man-management skills are excellent but it’s got to be remembered that he is still learning his trade in the Premier League which is the toughest, most unforgiving league in the world.
“Roberto has lots of qualities but the over-riding thing is that he has a massive desire to succeed within him that will take him to one of the very biggest clubs in Europe. I have no doubt about that.”
Whelan also stated Wigan’s desire to move up the table next season instead of being involved in another relegation scrap like they were this year. He hoped for a better start than the mauling they received at Blackpool’s hands this time round, and put his faith in the young team Martinez has assembled to improve together and start Wigan’s march up the table. He said-
“We want to finish in the top half of the league and that is the target we have set ourselves,”
“Hopefully we will get a better start this year than we did last year when we were hammered 4-0 by newly-promoted Blackpool. Keeping Roberto and the squad together has been of paramount importance and hopefully they will make a year-on-year improvement.”
Barcelona may well lie in wait, but Wigan are all that should be on Martinez’s mind currently, as he looks to better their standings in the Premier League next season.
