Scharner tells of worst week in career
With the possible exception of Chris Kirkland, there was surely no player happier to get back to winning ways at the weekend than Paul Scharner.
The Austrian had experienced the worst week of his footballing life after the 9-1 loss at Tottenham and a 5-1 hammering on international duty.
He said: "Last week was the most difficult of my career – not just me but the whole team.
"However, it was even more for me, because Austria had lost 5-1 to Spain only three days before the Tottenham game, so it was doubly difficult.
"The good thing in football, though, is you always have a game the next week – and you have an opportunity to forget your last result.
"You want to get straight out there and forget about what happened.
"As one of the oldest players, it was up to me to set the
example and help some of the younger players around the pitch, and I hope I did that."
The relief at the final whistle on Saturday was tangible as players and supporters were able to draw a line under a horrible week.
"I'm happy and satisfied for the supporters that we were able to bounce back from last week, and I hope they enjoyed the result," Scharner added.
"It was a deserved three points. We hit the post and we had a few other chances to score, and for most of the game we were the better side. We know the style of football that Steve Bruce likes to play, and it was very tough and physical out there.
"When we went 1-0 ahead, they applied some pressure, but we put in a good defensive effort and we deserved the clean sheet.
"We will never forget the 9-1 – it will always be there in the backs of our minds.
"Not many players or managers have a result like that on their CV, and maybe if we can bring some success to the club we might be able to forget it quicker."
The figure of Bruce in the opposition technical area meant added spice for many home fans, but Scharner admits it was about more than getting one-up on their old gaffer.
He said: "It didn't matter Steve Bruce was returning with Sunderland, because what happened at Tottenham was all we were focusing on.
"The only light at the end of the tunnel was the fact we had two home games coming up, and a good home record.
"We have got a win from the first game, but we are only halfway through.
"We are getting most of our points at home and hopefully we will continue that run next week against Birmingham.
"We'll work very hard again in training and we'll be ready."
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 02 September 2010
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
