Saturday 23 August 2014 21:52, UK
Jose Riga admitted he is facing the biggest challenge of his managerial career after watching his Blackpool side lose 1-0 at Wigan.
Oriol Riera's first-half goal was the difference between the two sides but, in reality, the 1-0 scoreline hugely flattered the troubled Tangerines who were second best for the vast majority.
When asked if he was experiencing his biggest challenge in management, Riga replied: "In terms of the situation, yes.
"We had no friendly games, no preparation, no team, so sure.
"I try and do my job - even in this situation - and I am doing my job, as are the players.
"I don't want to complain, but it is just the reality.
"And I want to get points in every game against every opposition, and I was very frustrated at the end of the game."
Despite having been outplayed from virtually the first minute, Blackpool remained in the game due to Wigan's profligacy in front of goal and inability to put the game to bed.
And they nearly stole an unlikely point in the final quarter when substitutes Ishmael Miller and Nile Ranger combined, only for the latter to steer the ball over when it seemed easier to score.
"We had the best opportunity with Nile, off the pass of Ishmael," Riga recognised.
"And I can't complain about the willingness and the reaction in that second half. But the story is always the same.
"Of course we had less opportunities than Wigan, but we tried to be present in the game until the end.
"I would have preferred to have got a result and we were close on the scoreboard for the whole game.
"But there is only one thing that matters and we have no points at the end.
"I'm glad to have a week before the next game, to recover and to prepare for Saturday, and I'll be even happier if we can get some more players in."
For his part, Wigan boss Uwe Rosler was delighted to see his side hang on for their first win of the campaign.
Rosler was particularly pleased with the way Wigan came flying out of the blocks, despite the disappointment of their midweek loss at Cardiff.
"We had a very strong performance at Cardiff in midweek and we carried on from there," Rosler said.
"We were robbed at Cardiff when we left with nothing, but I saw then that we were hitting form.
"It would have been easy for the team to feel sorry for themselves.
"But we refocused quickly and prepared ourselves in a professional way for this game.
"We're getting closer to where we want to be, and the first half was one of the most impressive since I've been at the club."
