Roberto Martinez Says Managing Ronaldo Was Easy After Wigan's Big FA Cup Win

Roberto Martinez, who led Wigan to a famous FA Cup victory, shared his thoughts on managing top players like Cristiano Ronaldo. He explained that understanding a player's strong desire to win can make managing them quite straightforward.
By Newsroom | Football, UK |

A Momentous Cup Victory and Star Player Dynamics

The FA Cup, a competition rich with history and known for its unexpected turns, recently saw its legacy illuminated by reflections on a particularly memorable victory. For Roberto Martinez, managing Wigan Athletic to an FA Cup win stands out as a “very special” achievement in his career. This triumph is discussed alongside his experiences managing football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of handling elite talent. The narrative probes the idea that managing a player like Ronaldo, characterized by an undeniable drive to win and a significant ego, can be surprisingly straightforward when that player's motivations are understood and aligned with team goals.

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Context: The Wigan FA Cup Run and Ronaldo's Early Career

The FA Cup has a long tradition of producing Cinderella stories. Wigan Athletic's victory in the FA Cup is frequently cited as one of its most remarkable chapters. This win occurred during a period when Martinez was building his reputation as a manager capable of galvanizing teams to achieve extraordinary results.

Read More: FA Cup Games Continue With Big Teams and Chances for Surprises

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Separately, Cristiano Ronaldo's early career at Manchester United also holds significant weight in discussions about his development. His first FA Cup final appearance marked a crucial point, where he demonstrated not just flair but also a deep-seated winning mentality. This was against Millwall in 2004, a match where Ronaldo opened the scoring. This particular final is remembered for its intensity, with reports of hard tackles and a combative atmosphere.

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Evidence of Impact and Player Management

  • Wigan's FA Cup Triumph: Roberto Martinez has described the FA Cup win with Wigan as "very special," highlighting its significance among his career achievements.

  • Ronaldo's Final Performance: In the 2004 FA Cup final, Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opening goal for Manchester United against Millwall. This was his first FA Cup final appearance.

  • Player Feedback: Martinez has indicated that players like Ronaldo are direct about their opinions, stating, "He’d let us know if he enjoyed it or if he thought it was s*." This suggests a straightforward communication style from the player.

  • Motivation and Ego: Reports suggest that Ronaldo’s drive is fueled by a desire to prove himself. If his performance or standing is questioned, he is motivated to demonstrate he is the "best the following day."

  • Direct Communication: There's an account where a coach was told by Ronaldo that he was making a "big mistake," indicating a willingness to challenge decisions directly.

The Psychology of Managing Elite Talent

Ronaldo's Drive for Victory

Cristiano Ronaldo's career has been defined by an unyielding pursuit of victory. He has appeared in 33 major finals, winning 24 of them. His performance in the 2004 FA Cup final against Millwall, where he scored the opening goal, is seen as a definitive moment where he showcased both skill and a formidable winning instinct. This performance preceded a string of successes, establishing him as a key player.

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Direct Feedback and Motivation

Managing a player with Ronaldo's profile often involves understanding their communication style. Martinez has noted that Ronaldo is open with his feedback, readily expressing his satisfaction or dissatisfaction. This directness, while potentially challenging, also offers clarity. The implication is that a manager can rely on clear signals regarding the player's state and performance, which aids in team management.

Ego as a Catalyst

The presence of a significant ego in elite athletes like Ronaldo is often a double-edged sword. However, evidence suggests that Ronaldo's ego can also serve as a powerful motivator. When faced with perceived slights or doubts, he is reportedly driven to respond with exceptional performances, aiming to "prove the following day that he was the best." This inherent competitiveness, when channeled correctly, can be a significant asset to a team.

Expert Analysis and Interpretations

Roberto Martinez's comments offer a window into managing high-caliber athletes. The assertion that managing Ronaldo is "easy" likely stems from a particular understanding of his motivations. As one report suggests, "He knew Ronaldo was the key to us winning anything." This implies that aligning team objectives with Ronaldo's personal drive for success creates a simplified dynamic. The player's self-awareness of his crucial role appears to make his integration into a winning strategy more manageable.

Conclusion: Simplicity in Elite Management

The narrative surrounding Roberto Martinez's FA Cup win with Wigan and his experiences with Cristiano Ronaldo suggests that managing highly driven individuals, while complex in perception, can be straightforward when their core motivations are understood. Ronaldo's intense focus on winning and his direct communication style, though potentially intimidating, can be navigated effectively. His ego, rather than being solely a point of contention, appears to be a potent source of motivation that, when correctly addressed, propels both the individual and the team towards success. The "very special" nature of Wigan's FA Cup victory, coupled with insights into managing players like Ronaldo, underscores the blend of tactical acumen and psychological understanding required at the highest levels of football.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Roberto Martinez say about Wigan's FA Cup win?
Roberto Martinez called Wigan's FA Cup victory a "very special" moment in his career. It is seen as one of the competition's biggest surprises.
Q: Was managing Cristiano Ronaldo difficult for Martinez?
Martinez suggested that managing Ronaldo was surprisingly easy. He said it was simple if you understood Ronaldo's strong need to win.
Q: How did Ronaldo perform in his first FA Cup final?
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first goal for Manchester United in the 2004 FA Cup final against Millwall. This showed his skill and winning attitude early in his career.
Q: What did Ronaldo say to his coaches?
Martinez mentioned that Ronaldo was very direct and would tell coaches if he liked something or thought it was bad. He was not afraid to share his opinion.