We need passion! Wigan boss Martínez has no issues with bust-up

Roberto Martínez says he was “glad” to see Wigan Athletic duo Emmerson Boyce and James McArthur come close to blows in a 4-0 loss to Liverpool.

The pair clashed after the Latics’s disastrous start to the game, with captain Gary Caldwell having to intervene to keep the peace at DW Stadium.

However, Martínez refused to criticise the pair for ill-discipline, instead admitting it was encouraging to see his players show passion, which the Spaniard feels will be a vital component in their bid to beat relegation.

“If I’m honest I was glad to see that because the position we are in we need passion,” said Martínez.

“We cannot have players who accept defeat and go through the motions.

“It was a moment of frustration between the players who had the feeling we had thrown away the opportunity to win three points and the reaction from James and Emmerson is something I want to see in the dressing room.

“I think they were demanding a little more from each other and then it became a little argument.

“If everyone could have that passion in the dressing room we would have been a lot more competitive than we were in the first 20 minutes.”

Wigan remain in 17th place ahead of Aston Villa, who can move three points clear of the Latics with victory over Manchester City on Monday night.

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