De Zeeuw looks for lift

12 April 2012

Wigan captain Arjan de Zeeuw is demanding a show of character from the Latics this Christmas to ensure the festive season is a happy one.

Manager Paul Jewell's side face games with Chelsea and Manchester United over the next four days on the back of their worst display of the season in losing 1-0 to Sheffield United last weekend.

"We've had an indifferent start to this season, and we know we need to get some points over the next few months," said de Zeeuw. "It's time for us to show some character, and we'll certainly strive to try and beat them."

He added: "I looked at the bench for their (Chelsea) Carling Cup tie with Newcastle in midweek and it was scary," said de Zeeuw as the subs included Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack and Ashley Cole.

"With the money Chelsea have spent on those players we could field four teams, but it is why they are up there and we're in the thick of the pack.

"But there's more pressure on them coming into this game because in the back of their minds they know if they keep winning then they can catch Manchester United.

"Even though they don't always play their first-choice starting 11, they are still getting results.

"The best example was last week against Everton when they twice went a goal down, but they still won. That shows how good they are."

De Zeeuw feels another reality check is required for the moaners unhappy at the way the Latics are slipping down the table.

"People seem to forget it was just a few years ago, in my first spell here, we were playing in the Second Division against teams like Chesterfield, Oxford and Cambridge," added de Zeeuw.

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