Roberto Martinez believes he is capable of leading Wigan into Europe.
The Spaniard was unveiled as the Lancashire club's new manager on Tuesday afternoon and has a tough act to follow after predecessor Steve Bruce led the Latics to an 11th-placed finish in the Barclays Premier League last season.
But he said: "Finishing 11th was a great achievement, but now we need to carry on improving the squad and then be realistic, be patient, work hard and try to stay in the Premier League. After that we need to have a dream, which for Wigan is to one day play in Europe."
One of the first tasks facing Martinez and chairman Dave Whelan is resolving the future of in-demand winger Luis Antonio Valencia.
The Ecuadorian is a target, by Whelan's own admission, of Manchester United and Real Madrid, and his new boss is realistic about his prospects of keeping hold of the 23-year-old.
"If there is interest I'm sure the chairman will tell me if he has to go or not. If that happens we have to be creative in order to improve the squad," Martinez said.
Martinez was a popular figure at Wigan during his playing days, and he added: "I am delighted to be here and very excited.
"My story with Wigan started in 1995 and for me to be given a chance to become manager of Wigan, in the best league in world football, is an honour.
"It is a big step up but I think for every manager in the Premier League there is very little margin for error.
"I know that and it's down to working hard and improving the squad and making sure we help the players win. It's nothing different but a big task in front of me."
Comment 1 - 4 of 4
Simple Valencia is happy at Wigan so keep him here.
And lets start building a european team to shut all them doubters.
You know the ones that keep saying we are not a big team but we still keep on beating the likes of Newcastle who are looking at life in the championship.
Yet we have been continously a pain in the butt to alot of teams and refs too.
So lets carry on being a pain in the butt and really start to get up everybodies nose
Whelan start spending all that hard earned cash as you can't take it with you
what kind of idiot can't even spell his own name? Off you go michael, back to your little tree house.
cmon roberto you can do it my son
mr martinez so u became wigans manager but i wont wish u luck because u turn u back on swansea city i really liked the way u had swansea playing last year i see u in championship next season i dont think wigan will ever get to europe.
Please login to post a comment
Not already a Yahoo! user ? Sign up to get a free Yahoo! Account