Martinez calls for unity as club puts Notts County behind them
Speaking after Latics' disappointing exit from the FA Cup against Notts County Roberto Martinez explained that now is a time for players to stand up and be counted for, and for everyone to get behind the team ahead of this weekend.
Latics travel to Sunderland on Saturday hoping to banish the memories of Tuesday night, and whilst the gaffer was less than happy with the evenings events, he congratulated his opponents on progressing through to the next round of the cup.
"It is a difficult result to take but it's not the first, and it won't be the last time we're tested," said Martinez.
"We knew the first goal was going to be important and I thought we created some good open opportunities. But we failed to take them, and when that happens you run the risk of being defeated, which is exactly what happened.
"We made a few changes today but there are a lot of games coming up, so it's important to use your full squad, and for certain players it was important to be out on the pitch playing and getting game-time.
"We have to congratulate Notts County, they approached the game with huge determination, huge fight and got everyone behind the ball when they had to. We did well to open them up and create chances but if you don't convert them you don't win football matches.
"It was a chance at a good cup-run but it probably came at the wrong time for us in a season where things have been difficult. Probably now we're just starting to get a settled side after many ins and outs and we have to focus our attentions on the league now.
"It's paramount that our league form is our main priority, the FA Cup, as nice as it would have been to go on a good run, was probably a distraction we could have done without at this stage.
"But I guarantee that we'll react in the right way and make sure we put this disappointment behind us very quickly."
Martinez added that lessons from the last three games, taking chances and defending set-pieces, must be combined with a collective effort to turn things round and make sure there is a positive finish to the season:
"It's important that we all understand where we're going wrong, what needs addressing and what lessons there are to be learned from the last three games.
"We all understand the disappointment the fans are feeling, but now is the time we all need to pull together as a football club and make sure that we react in the right way on Saturday.
"We're going to have a lot of games to play this month and we have to focus now on getting the points our performances deserve. Today was a big blow but I think it will present a big test in character in the dressing room and we'll approach it in the right manner."
