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ESPNsoccernet: England | |
Wigan midfielder Denny Landzaat is determined to play his part in helping the club climb away from the relegation zone.
The Holland international is ready for the challenge, believing in manager Paul Jewell despite 'misquoted' comments attributed to him earlier this week. Landzaat claimed the Latics were a long-ball team, and that he was far from happy at the JJB Stadium. But Landzaat, who has started in 16 of his 19 appearances since last summer's £2.5million from AZ Alkmaar, insists that is far from the case. 'The set-up in this club is the most professional I have ever come across,' remarked Landzaat. 'From the facilities, to the way training is carried out, travel, everything. 'The players are really well looked after and that has really impressed me. The Premiership is the best competition in the world, and I would be a fool to want to leave. 'I am determined to be a success in this country, and I will do everything in my power to do that.' Landzaat concedes he has not yet made his mark as he has struggled to come to terms with the physical nature of the game in England, compared to what he was used to in Holland. 'For me it is all still very new - new stadiums, new teams to play against and my focus is to do the best I can,' added Landzaat. 'I always knew it would take time, and I know that the Wigan fans have not really seen the real Denny Landzaat yet. 'In Holland, the game is much more tactical, teams back off each other a little and the game is played at a different pace. Over here, it is more physical, and quicker, of that there is no doubt. It is also much more exciting. 'Other teams are in your face from the first whistle and there is a lot less time on the ball. The manager asks us to do that to other teams too, but what I like about Wigan is that when we get the ball, the manager wants us to play football.' Which is why Landzaat is convinced the Latics will avoid the drop, despite the fact they have lost their last five Premiership games ahead of tomorrow's trip to Chelsea. 'I have played in this situation before in my career, and I know it's going to be a battle over the next three months,' assessed Landzaat. 'But when you look at the quality we have here, we are more than capable of putting some results together and climbing the table. 'I am hungry to play my part in that.'