Martinez warns against Wembley dreaming

LONDON – Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has told his players that their exploits in the FA Cup will count for nothing if they do not avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Monday, April 15, 2013
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez punches the air after victory. Net photo.

LONDON – Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has told his players that their exploits in the FA Cup will count for nothing if they do not avoid relegation from the Premier League.Goals from Shaun Maloney and Callum McManaman gave Wigan a 2-0 win over second-tier Millwall at Wembley Stadium on Saturday to send the side from northwest England into their first FA Cup final.However, they currently sit in the Premier League relegation zone and although they have at least a game in hand on all the teams above them, they have only seven games to secure their top-flight status.Asked if he intended to watch Sunday’s second semifinal between Chelsea and Manchester City, Martinez replied: "We’ll be training."We’ll follow the semifinal with interest but success in the cup has to be a consequence of success in the league. We’ll concentrate on that and we’ll put the Wembley talk to one side."Every success is only a success if we achieve our aim in the league, otherwise it’s a waste of time."But since we won in the (FA Cup) quarterfinal, the mentality has been the same in the changing room - competing in every game. We’re still unbeaten since our quarterfinal, so that shows it can be done.”