Alcaraz praises Wigan team effort

Wigan Athletic defender Antolin Alcaraz has praised the efforts of his team following their 1-0 win over Norwich City on Saturday.

Arouna Kone’s goal after 81 minutes separated the two sides and meant Wigan leapfrogged Aston Villa to move out of the Premier League relegation zone with seven games left to play.

“Everybody did a great job and to get another three points at home is a big achievement at this stage of the season, especially with it being our second in a row,” Alcaraz told the club’s official website.

“Keeping a clean sheet at home is always important and the manner that we did it in with Norwich not having a shot on target is very impressive and it means as a team we defended really well.

“I have to praise my team-mates because all of them have been excellent in recent weeks.”

The Paraguayan also revealed his frustrations at being sidelined through injury but was pleased to return to form.

“I’m happy with my own performances recently but it’s been the whole team that has achieved these results,” he added.

“It was frustrating to be out of the team so I’m trying really hard to give it my all and be a part of the team now.”

Wigan next face rock bottom QPR and the defender insists that the team are focused on sealing another season in the Premier League.

“I enjoyed the three points,” the Latics defender continued. “But straight after the game it’s time to move on and look towards the next three points that are up for grabs against Queens Park Rangers.

“It’s important to claim as many points as we can before the end of the season and at this moment we are more focussed than ever.

“You never know what special moments we could create again this season but the most important thing now is to look towards the QPR game.”