The Black Cats presently lie one point and one place ahead of the Latics in the Premier League table but have played agame more.
In a decision that seemed to surprise most ofthe football world, Martin O'Neill was relieved of his manager duties following the weekend's defeat to Manchester United.
When asked for his opinion on the matter, Martinez told the Wigan Evening Post:
“Obviously we don’t know what the internal situation is at the footbal club. I have to say it has come as a surprise to everyone that Martin left before the end of the season. But changes are normal these days – you just learn to get on with it.
“The new man will bring in a completely different approach, and probably that is part of the reason why this league is the best in the world.
“It’s colourful, it’s exciting, it’s unpredictable. That’s why people love it so much.
“I’m sure the media will be happy, but Sunderland are a phenomenal club with a great tradition and they’re capable of finishing the season strongly.”
Now without capitan Lee Cattermole and main goalscorer Steven Fletcher, the end of the season is going to be a nervous time for Sunderland.