Roberto Martinez insists he is still the right man to help Wigan avoid relegation despite being questioned by chairman Dave Whelan.
Midweek travel the reason for high-profile exclusions
Roberto Martinez insists he is still the right man to help Wigan avoid relegation despite being questioned by chairman Dave Whelan.
Whelan revealed he would demand a meeting with his manager after Saturday's 2-0 Premier League home defeat by Swansea.
That sparked speculation Martinez's position as manager could be under threat, but the Spaniard is adamant he knows better than anyone the challenge the club are facing.
"I don't think I have to answer that," said Martinez, when asked if he was still the right man for Wigan.
"I have been at Wigan for nine years. I know what it means. The football dream is part of my life.
"It is a passion and a privilege for me.
"I am desperate to get out next Sunday against Norwich. We have done it time after time.
"When you have been the longest serving manager in the Premier League for Wigan you get to know what is required."
Key players
Whelan's chief concern appeared to be that three key players - Hugo Rodallega, Victor Moses and Mohamed Diame - had been left on the bench for the crunch game.
But Martinez felt his decisions were justified - especially given Moses and Diame had travelled to Africa on international duty in midweek.
"Lengthy journeys do take it out of you," explained Martinez.
"If you have players arriving on Friday evening it is nearly impossible to prepare for a game.
"You tell me if it is normal in one of the best leagues in world football to have players arriving less than 24 hours before kick-off.
"Nobody is happy. The chairman is the reason why we are here. Every performance is for him and this wasn't good enough."
