The Swansea City manager was critical of the fans reaction to Lee Trundle on Saturday at Bristol City but explained that some of the current players don’t necessarily understand why people would be singing towards an ex player during the course of a game.
Speaking in the Western Mail ahead of the Swans home league clash with Barnsley, Roberto also admitted that he was looking forward to having a settled team – Darren Pratley sits out tonight’s game through his suspension although Leon Britton does return.
“We always show respect for our history and want to respect individuals and our past,” said Martinez.
“But it’s the timing. During the 90 minutes when you’re fighting tooth-and-nail for three points, it is the wrong time to dip back into that history.
“There are always times before and after the game – we should leave the romantic feelings for those times.
“I’m looking at my new players coming here
“They’re leaving their families to come here and try and win football games for Swansea City – and they don’t understand.
“Our fans have been fantastic, and at home we have been so strong because of them.
“Everything we do is for our fans – that’s why we want to be in the Premiership.
“They only wanted to acknowledge Trunds and that’s fine, but maybe they were a bit blind to the people they were disrespecting.
“I’m sure every fan will realise that our players need all their support.
“The players out there representing our football club on the pitch and working extremely hard deserve that.
It’s been a very demanding six weeks for us in terms of injuries and suspensions,” said Martinez.
“It has tested our squad to the maximum, and it’ll be a huge test for us again without Darren.
“The last time we went into a game with a settled squad was against Norwich (the last game the Swans won) and we looked strong.
“All of a sudden, through injuries and suspensions, we have had to adapt – but I’m delighted with how we’ve responded.
“Out of the three draws, I think Saturday’s point was the fairest reflection of them all.
“We should have won at Coventry (instead of drawing 1-1) and in the 2-2 draw with Cardiff we did enough to find a winner.
“It’s part of our learning process.
“It may be points dropped, but we’re going to get the rewards long-term because the squad and football club are stronger for the experiences.
“We need to get through this period with a smile, make sure everyone is working hard and we’ll get the rewards,” he said.
“At the moment, we have to be perfect to get something from a game.
“But in football, once you’re through the bad periods, things start to go your way.
“We have to make sure we come out of this stronger.”