Atletico will be patient with Martinez - Simeone

Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid need to be patient with
striker Jackson Martinez despite his struggles in his debut
season at the Vicente Calderon.

Martinez joined Atletico from Porto in July in a €35million
move having scored 32 goals for the Portuguese club last
term.

However, he has found form difficult to come by since his
move to La Liga, netting just three times in all competitions.

But Simeone said: "I am happy with him [Martinez], [he] has
the same amount of goals as [Luciano] Vietto, [Angel]
Correa and [Fernando] Torres having played less.

"We are happy, you must be patient, as with Vietto, Torres
[and] Correa."

Atletico will have the chance to retake the La Liga summit
in Sunday's clash with Celta Vigo, after Barcelona jumped
ahead with a 4-0 win over Granada.

"We believe in ourselves," Simeone added. "What happens in the end is complicated.

"It is clear that Barcelona and Madrid have great players
and, if you have them, you have many options to win."