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LIFE'S A PITCH!

Posted on: Wed 03 Mar 2010

Gaffer delighted with new surface and determined attitude of squad

Roberto Martinez is adamant that although it has been a frustrating few weeks the recent results have made his squad even more determined to put things right, and that by maintaining the high standards they've set their rewards will come.

"We have a responsible mood in the dressing room, but one that is frustrated from not getting any rewards from a good second-half performance against Birmingham City," said the gaffer.

"Overall though there is a feeling of determination to put things right, maintain the high standards we've set ourselves and start getting the results we deserve.

"If you keep doing the right things you'll always get the rewards in football and that's the mentality we have right now. We're not letting the mood be dictated by recent results, we're focused on our performances and making sure we're coming through these experiences stronger."

Latics' preparation for Monday night's huge league clash with Liverpool has been interrupted by the much loathed international break, but the gaffer is still able to draw on the positives from the situation:

He said: "These are the situations you can do nothing about, you just have to try and turn them into positives.

"It's important that everyone refreshes themselves, has a good break and have an important role with their national team.

"Once they return we'll get them focused on the upcoming game against Liverpool and make sure they're ready for the challenge, but I never feel the international breaks come at a good time you just hope to come through them without injury.

"It does highlight the strength and potential we have in the squad however, that there are so many players representing their national sides. We need to use that experience and talent in our league games now."

Finally Martinez gave his comments on the new pitch that will be laid in time for the game and how he believes it will be a aide going into the final weeks of the season:

"It's a great sign that we want to do as much as we can to have as good a playing surface as possible here at the DW Stadium.

"Again we've got a tough period over the next three weeks when the pitch will host a lot of games, but it will be great to see a new turf laid out for Monday's game and we have to make sure we use it to our advantage.

"In its previous state it didn't help us because there is a certain way we want to play our football and a good surface is needed for that.

"It's that home from that we need to use to our advantage. There are some massive game coming up and the fans have so far been fantastic in getting behind us, we need them now more than ever in trying to make the DW a fortress."