Wigan chairman Dave Whelan will call manager Roberto Martinez to a meeting this morning to explain the Latics’ dismal 2-0 home defeat to 10-man Swansea.
Wigan have now gone 12 home games without a win and remain anchored to the foot of the Premier League.
“That was our worst performance in four or five years,” he said.
“I will have a meeting with Martinez on Monday (today) and ask him some questions about the performance and his selection. We had three quality players out and I want to know why.”
No talk Mourinho
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho refused to be drawn into discussion on his future at the club after he was spotted visiting London in midweek.
The trip fuelled speculation that the Portuguese is ready to accept a role in England at the end of this season, but speaking to the media yesterday Mourinho was blunt.
“It’s not my problem,” he said, referring to the speculation.
“I don’t have to explain my private life to anyone. When anyone from the club leaves the city, out of courtesy we inform the club.
“I left on my last day off and I told the chairman, I don’t need the permission of the press or anyone else.”
Ibra: I turned down Arsenal
Zlatan Ibrahimovic turned down the chance to move to Arsenal because boss Arsene Wenger wanted the Swede to go through a trial. The Milan striker was a teenager when he met up with Wenger in 2000 to discuss a possible move to north London.
Ibrahimovic, 30, said: “Arsene gave me the famous red and white jersey and I was so pleased I posed for a picture wearing it.
“It was a fantastic moment for me. Arsenal had a great team then and here was an Arsenal shirt made just for me. So then I waited for him to convince me that I should join Arsenal.
“But he didn’t even try and instead said ‘I want to see how good you are, what kind of player you are... have a trial’.”
Lyon response
Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas admitted his side’s loss at Nancy was a huge disappointment but called on the team to bounce back by reaching the last eight of the Champions League.
Lyon lost 2-0 to the relegation candidates on Saturday to see their Ligue 1 title hopes all but disappear. They are in pole position to progress in Europe, though, travelling to APOEL Nicosia with a 1-0 lead from the first leg.
Aulas said: “It’s hugely disappointing, but we have to stand right behind the team. The matches against Nicosia and Lille will be decisive. We’ve got 12 matches left in Ligue 1 so we need to bounce back and not listen to the negative comments.”
Brazil WCup will be ‘impeccable’
The president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, Ricardo Teixeira, insists the Latin American country will deliver an “impeccable” World Cup in 2014 despite criticism from FIFA that organisational progress is slow.
“FIFA concerns with regard to preparation of all World Cups are natural,” said Teixeira.
“But they can keep calm because Brazil and its people have the competence required to organise an impeccable World Cup.”
Last week, FIFA secretary Je-rome Valcke said that the organisers needed a “kick up the backside” to ensure that preparations were completed on time.
Wenger keen to keep Van Persie
Arsene Wenger promised to do everything possible to keep Robin van Persie at Arsenal. The Gunners captain now has 31 goals in all competitions but speculation continues about his future with the London club.
Van Persie has just over a year left on his contract but has delayed talks about extending his stay. But Wenger insists Arsenal will do everything to ensure he remains at the Emirates.
“We will do everything possible to keep him,” said Wenger.
“I can’t say much more than that. He’s up there with the best players in the world. I’m very proud of him. He was very timid when he first arrived at the club and to see how far he has come is very pleasing.”
Power of 10 adds up to title glory
Roberto Mancini has set his Manchester City side a target of 10 more victories to secure a first league title in 44 years.
City host United in the third last game of the season and come up against Swansea, Chelsea, Stoke, Sunderland, Arsenal, West Brom, Norwich and Wolves before the derby.
After the win over Bolton, Man-cini said: “This was vital as we have taken three points and we need to keep winning because United is a very good team.
“If we could win the next ten games, we would win the title.
“We just need to keep playing the way we are and we will have a very good chance.”