Changing Mentalities

Martinez Looks To Change Mentality

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Roberto Martinez this morning began the job of shaping his squad for next season. In the next 24-48 hours he will make the first indications of who has no place within his plans for next season and soon it is believed that we will have several new faces as Martinez intends to shape his side early - a trait something his predecessors tended not to work with.

"Eight players are out of contract and two on loan, that's not right at a club of this calibre," he said after the 6-3 Blackpool loss ended play-off hopes.

"It's a situation I've inherited and want to change, and by early this week we'll know our retain list.

"There are many departments we have to improve, that's always the way, and I've got a clear idea of what we need."

Martinez is a methodical man and a total professional to boot. Anyone who has spoken to him cannot fail to have been impressed by his total dedication to the cause and anyone who has seen him in action will see a man that will do anything to ensure a total success of his role.

And that is something that he will try to impass onto his players as he looks to cut down on some of the 'problems' that have come to light in the last couple of years - problems that never helped the cause of both Kenny Jackett and Brian Flynn.

Martinez told the Wales on Sunday: "My players must be their own managers - they must take responsibility in everything they do.

"The word responsibility is an umbrella for many different departments and one is the lifestyle. Players must be disciplined off the pitch because the way they live their life is reflected on the pitch.

"I am teetotal which is a conscious choice because I am a professional footballer and I believe every job has a price. As a footballer you push your body to the limit and if you do that to a consistently high standard, your diet and lifestyle should be well looked after.

"I have never drunk alcohol because I firmly believe if you want to be a professional footballer drinking should not be part of your diet.

"Ever since I was three years old I dreamed of being a footballer and alcohol wasn't part of my home environment. I understand some players don't have the choice not to drink when they were younger. But, ultimately, it is all about personal choices.

"In the UK there is a constant fight with the drinking culture because everyone sees it as a social thing. But for professional athletes, drinking or a poor diet won't do your body any favours.

"The drinking culture is not a problem solely at Swansea City but a problem you'll find at every professional football club in the UK.

"In this country the big stars, not just in sport, advocate a drinking culture. You can't blame the players because that is an environment that has been embedded in tradition for many generations. You won't change society and I won't change it but it is a slow process through people's choice.

"If someone says you must cut out something to achieve your dream, whether it is a professional footballer or driving instructor, you do it.

"And footballers must understand that their social life cannot be the same as someone of similar age - that is the price of being a professional footballer.

"People must educate themselves. I have told my players what I expect and given them guidance on what is right and what is wrong for career and life longevity.

"As a footballer you need to give yourself the best chance as there are many things that can affect your career which you can't control, like injuries.

"A professional must make his own decisions on the pitch in front of thousands of people and that is the same away from the pitch.

"My players don't have to do things because I tell them. I'll educate them and then they'll make their own choice. If they make the correct choices, we'll get better players and better professionals.

"If my players do well in front of me but do whatever they want behind my back, we won't achieve anything.

"I don't want any unwanted off-the-field headlines and if you go out and drink sparkling water then you won't attract bad publicity.

"The people of Swansea look up to Swansea City players and we at the club must set a good example."