Martinez wants team ethic after defeat

Martinez saw Wigan dumped out of the Carling Cup (GETTY IMAGES)

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez believes his players need to start knitting together sooner rather than later if they are to regain a winning mentality.

The Spaniard was alarmed at the way his side tumbled out of the Carling Cup at the second-round stage last night.

Goals from Ishmel Demontagnac, Ben Burgess, Charlie Adam and substitute Gary Taylor-Fletcher gave Coca-Cola Championship side Blackpool a comfortable 4-1 victory at Bloomfield Road.

Martinez made nine changes to the team that lost to Manchester United but the strategy backfired.

It was their third successive defeat after victory on the opening day against Aston Villa. Centre-back Antonio Amaya grabbed a consolation goal in stoppage-time on his debut but the damage had already been done.

Martinez said: "We can learn a lot from this defeat. We tried to show too much individually, we never played as a team and there is no excuse.

"As a professional footballer you need to be ready for the chance when it comes along. Those who have not been involved in the league games were given an opportunity but it was not good enough.

"Certain players did not perform and it is clear this is not what we expected. Overall as a team and as individuals we handed the game to Blackpool.

"They did not have to work hard for their goals and it is very disappointing. We were never in contention to win and now we are out of the League Cup, which I am upset about."

Blackburn manager Ian Holloway was thrilled with his side's performance, and said: "Just about everything went right.

"We ordered the rain and it came down just as they went out for their warm-up. I am not sure how many of them actually fancied it but my lads did.

"I really like this squad, the way the players work with each other and anyone who joins us has to work as hard as we do.

"I still need one or two players but, if they keep playing for me like that, I will be more than happy."

The night ended in disappointment for Demontagnac, however, as he picked up a hamstring problem that could keep him out for several weeks.

The 21-year-old is hoping to get his career back on track after being sacked by Walsall last November following a number of misdemeanours.

Holloway added: "The unfortunate thing is Ishmel has done his hamstring after scoring a terrific goal, which will put him back a few weeks.