Wigan manager Roberto Martinez believes getting away from the relentless pressure of the Barclays Premier League has benefited his squad.
The Latics took advantage of last weekend’s FA Cup fixtures, in which they were not involved, to fly to Oman for warm-weather training and a friendly against the national side – which they won 1-0.
Having beaten Bolton in a crucial encounter at the Reebok Stadium Wigan would have preferred to have tried to build on the momentum but cup action put paid to that.
And Martinez believes their Middle Eastern break provided some much-needed relief for his bottom-of-the-table side and they have returned re-energised for the relegation battle ahead.
“When you get a good result and a good performance probably you want to be on the pitch straight away,” he told Press Association Sport.
“But I think with the amount of international breaks we have you learn to try to get the best out of the situation you are in.
“We went to Oman and it was very refreshing in terms of providing a change in the environment and understanding a different culture.
“It is good mentally to get away from the day-to-day habits.
“We had a game against the Oman national team and had the opportunity to work together 24 hours a day.
“It allowed us, first and foremost, to enjoy warmer weather and be able to work at different times and physically we have been able to touch on every individual.
“It was a really good time to get the group focused and ready for the next 13 games.
“I feel we benefited from the break because we had a few players with viruses and colds and we got rid of those and we have a full squad ready to push forward on Saturday.”
Aston Villa, nine points ahead in 15th, are the visitors to the DW Stadium at the weekend.
While Martinez believes the club he turned down an approach from in the summer will not be dragged into the relegation scrap he feels another positive result for his side will help shake things up at the bottom.
Only two points separate the bottom five clubs and Wigan could move up to 16th with a win if other results go in their favour.
“I don’t expect it (the relegation picture) to change until the end,” added the Spaniard.
“There are five teams involved now but it could be more and I don’t expect it to be really clear until the last game of the season.
“That shows how close the competition is and I do feel the last game of the season could decide the future of three clubs.
“That is the nature of this league and that is why the next 13 games are going to be exciting.
“There are going to be lots of twists and turns and every point will be mean a lot because the differences are minimal at the moment.”
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