Martinez unhappy with schedule

Martinez's side lost 3-1 at Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night and his team's preparations for the match had been overshadowed by speculation surrounding the future of Hugo Rodallega.

The striker had been the subject of bids from Fulham and Queens Park Rangers, and there had also been rumours the Colombian could join Spurs after the White Hart Lane encounter.

Rodallega was an unused substitute against the title contenders and Martinez is upset that fixtures were being played in the final hours leading up the transfer deadline.

Circus

"From our point of view, I don't think it was a good idea," said Martinez.

"It becomes a bit of a circus. One of my players (Rodallega) was in the middle of that speculation and it's not the right way to approach one of the most important games for this football club.

"I don't think it's the right thing. You want to make it a really special moment of the season and there's nothing bigger than a football game.

"It's just ridiculous. It affects human beings.

"Hugo had a little bit of a soft tissue problem...but it was a big day of speculation and that should never be bigger than the celebration of the game, which is playing football."