Wigan Manager Roberto Martinez has moved to dismiss the speculation linking him with a return to his native Spain as the Latics continue to have an average season, Martinez took charge at the DW Stadium in the Summer but they have struggled to kick on into the top half of the table as was initially hoped. There are now strong reports coming out of Spain that Martinez is being lined up to replace Mauricio Pochettino as the new Gaffer of Espanyol, a move to Barcelona may well prove attractive for the Spaniard who has been in England for a number of years and may want to have a crack at Management back at home.

Martinez has dismissed the speculation surrounding his future by saying that he is just focusing on Wigan and the ‘next 12 weeks’ which he is hoping will see Wigan climb the table, at present they are sitting in a precarious position just one point above the relegation zone and they are in danger of being dragged into the relegation dog fight. The Latics are without a win in four games and that run has included a defeat to League Two side Notts County at home in the FA Cup which will not do their confidence any good at all, Martinez is making all the right noises but will be worried about the situation as they are a club that will want to avoid relegation at any cost.

The next few matches for Wigan and Martinez could prove crucial for the club as they bid to remain in the top flight, Wigan go to Sunderland next which is then followed by two home games against Stoke and Bolton that are both winnable in the eyes of the Manager and the Athletic fans. A couple of good results in the next month could see the pressure ease on the Spaniard but likewise another bad month will see them slip further into to trouble and this will be reflected in the Next Premier League Manager to be Sacked Odds as the bookies keep a close eye on the events at the DW Stadium.

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