Wigan slumped to the bottom of the Premier League as they were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester United in a controversial game at the DW Stadium last week. Throughout a difficult season Latics have tried to play a style pleasing on the eye, but their lack of a regular goalscorer and a shaky defence have cost them. Some critics have said Martinez urgently needs to rethink his tactics but the Spaniard is convinced his methods well yet prove correct. Martinez said: "I think the manner we believe football has to be played is quite clear. "What is important is you play in that manner well enough to win football games. "We have been playing really well - I think you are starting to see a team that has got that chemistry and understanding between them. "Yes, there are certain aspects we need to improve. That is quite clear. "But I think the positives are bigger than the little aspects we need to improve. "Now is a real test of character and a challenge we have to enjoy. "Yes, it is a real fight and we will need to work really hard to stay in the Premier League, but we are going to do it with style." Martinez's side face a stern test in the coming weeks with a trip to Manchester City on Saturday followed by games against fellow strugglers Birmingham and two more Champions League contenders in Tottenham and Chelsea. A run of bad results could see Latics cut adrift but Martinez is confident his players have the right attitude to cope with the pressure. He said: "We need to get a lot of spirit and belief from the manner we played against the league leaders and a fantastic football team in Manchester United. "In that respect I think we are mentally ready for the next 10 games. "We know every game is not a must-win game, it is just a unique opportunity to get as many points as we can. "We will carry on playing our way and making sure we get the points we need to be successful this season. "The position in the table is not a position we want to be in but there are still enough points to play for. "As long as the squad is fit and healthy we are really looking forward to the challenge ahead." Wigan were beaten 3-0 on their last visit to Eastlands a year ago, a game in which they controversially had Gary Caldwell sent off. Coincidentally the referee who dismissed Caldwell, Stuart Attwell, will take charge of this weekend's fixture. Martinez was fined for criticising Attwell last year but does not have an issue with the appointment and is focusing on the challenge of beating City. He said: "I know Stuart has been refereeing very well, he is a referee with a very bright future. "I am sure there will be no issues after the game. "I see a game where two teams are going to try to use the ball well, that will try to win the game by creating many chances. "We know it is going to be a really tough place to visit but we are ready and excited." Martinez has also given his reasons for the decision not to allow former England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland to join Cardiff on an emergency loan earlier this week. The 29-year-old has lost his place to on-loan Ali Al Habsi this season and has already had one spell with Leicester this term. Martinez said: "Chris has been training really well and some part of his work needs to be competitive football but it has to be the right challenge. "It wasn't the right moment for Chris to leave the football club for a loan period. "We feel Chris needs to stay here, needs to carry on fighting for his place. "His presence around the football club is vital for the squad and he is a very important player, even when he is not on the pitch."
