A lot of Wigan Athletic fans will be annoyed this morning that the club was sent out of the League Cup by League Two side Bradford City on penalties. Here are five reasons why it could be a blessing in disguise.
Fitness
A reason for Wigan’s Premier League revival at the back end of last season was that they were able to bring key players into the side who had been regularly rested. The fact the club is out of the League Cup ultimately means fewer games to be played so Roberto Martinez will be able to play his strongest side more consistently in the league which should translate into more consistent results. This will also aid recovery time between matches.
Focus
Having fewer focuses throughout the season is beneficial. The FA Cup is yet to start for the Premier League sides so all Wigan have to focus on for the time being is their league form. This will allow Martinez to work extremely hard on getting the right setup, formations and tactics for each month because he will not have to do the same amount of planning for an extra cup competition.
Determination
Normally a tournament like the League Cup is a chance for younger and more inexperienced players at a club to express themselves. This is not an option any more for Wigan. It should make the fringe players around the team a lot more determined to train hard, catch the manager’s attention and get into the first team because they will have fewer chances, in terms of games, to do just this.
Support
Supporters have to pay more than ever before to watch top flight football. There is nothing like going along to a cup game in any competition but league crowds always bring in the highest numbers and the largest number of gate receipts. The League Cup exit should slightly inflate Wigan’s home attendances for the rest of the season because more Wigan fans will have cash to spend on watching Premier League football, cash they may not have been able to use if Wigan were still playing League Cup games.
Refinement
Martinez called the performance very frustrating because Wigan controlled proceedings for the majority of the match. They can learn a lesson from it and refine their game play so they show more urgency in the spells of a game where they are on top. Martinez can stress this easily and it should make the Wigan side go for the kill a little faster in games where they are similarly on top.
image: © illarterate
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