Roberto’s message to N’Zog
ROBERTO Martinez has challenged Charles N’Zogbia to show Steve Bruce what he missed out on when Latics entertain Sunderland on Saturday.
Following frenzied speculation, the transfer window closed last week with N’Zogbia still a Wigan player – at least until January.
A £9million move to Birmingham collapsed because of the Frenchman’s personal demands, while Sunderland were unable to come up with the asking price despite Bruce repeatedly admitting his interest.
The Wigan boss admits he’s been pleased with the reaction N’Zogbia has shown in training this week, and insists he would have no qualms about pitching him in against the Black Cats.
Martinez told the Evening Post: “I’m confident Charles is fully focused, and ready to show the other players that he can still add a lot to the team.
“Obviously he has a lot of people to win over, but he is capable of doing that and more.
“Charles has been working really hard this week and it’s clear he has a real point to prove to his team-mates.
“It’s a big challenge, but I’m sure he is mature enough to know what’s needed. And looking at how he’s responded, he’s been a positive influence on the group.”
N’Zogbia has only started one match this season – the 6-0 reversal to Chelsea – having been left out of the clashes against Blackpool and Spurs due to off-field reasons.
However, with Victor Moses still sidelined, N’Zogbia looks set to start on the right wing against the manager who brought him to Wigan 18 months ago.
And Martinez expects him to take the olive branch with both hands.
“We know Charles wants to be himself on the field, but it’s down to him now to set the standards and show how much he wants to help the team win football matches,” the Spaniard added.
“First and foremost, physically he has lost a lot because he missed a few training sessions, and the focus is getting him back to where he was.
“That’s a great challenge for him, but I’m sure the fans will see that he is focused on bettering what he did last season.”
James McArthur got 90 minutes under his belt as Latics reserves drew 1-1 with Sunderland to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
Callum McManaman opened the scoring for Wigan only for Ryan Noble to equalise, the Black Cats striker then missing a last-gasp penalty to win it for his side.
For a full-match preview and an interview with returning Latics old boy Lee Cattermole, see tomorrow’s Evening Post.
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Weather for Wigan
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -6 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
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