BALOGUN: WE MUST CONTROL OUR OWN DESTINY
LEON Balogun wants to avoid excuses as Wigan battle to maintain their Championship status.
The Latics have been involved in a relegation scrap for most of the season but their form has improved in recent weeks, including encouraging draws against Middlesbrough and Cardiff.
And Balogun is adamant that the players must take control of their fate, rather than relying on others, if they are to survive.
“I’ve been in this situation before in my career and one thing you cannot do is hope that everything else will go your way,” the 31-year-old said.
“You can’t rely on luck, the officials’ decisions, other scorelines or circumstances. It’s us as a club, the players, the staff and the fans.
“We have to be ready; we have to be ready to battle against any adversity and focus on ourselves, that way we’ll have great chances to get the job done.”
The centre-back also explained that his ability to play on the ball was the reason Wigan manager Paul Cook brought him in.
“I have been told I’m a calm player over time, it’s something the manager said he saw in me and wanted to bring to the group,” the Nigerian international continued.
“I’m a positive and happy person, but I like to remain calm.”
Balogun arrived on loan from Premier League side Brighton last month, but insists he has already settled into his new surroundings.
“The lads have been very welcoming, and I feel like I’m at home already,” he said. “I’m still getting to know everyone on a personal level, but I already know Jan Mlakar, who arrived here with me and is super mature for his age. He’s only 21, but he’s very calm and relaxed.
“Everyone is unique here; nobody is the same and that’s good because you have to combine all those different characters to make the right mix.”