Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is blaming himself for Jackson Martinez’s inability to make an impression at the club following the Colombia striker’s departure to Guangzhou Evergrande.

Martinez joined Atletico in the summer in a big-money transfer from Porto, but scored only three goals in 22 games before falling out of favour and being jettisoned to China earlier this week.

But Simeone refused to blame the player, saying: “The fact that he’s gone is a failure on my part. When a player doesn’t respond, the responsibility is with me.”

He also rejected reports that Martinez was sold because he was displaying a bad attitude, saying: “Jackson worked with enthusiasm and desire, but after the chats we had we decided it was the best thing for both parties. We left each other safe in the knowledge that we can look each other in the face and greet each other warmly the next time we see each other.”

Simeone faces a defensive selection crisis for today’s home meeting with Eibar with Diego Godin, Juanfran and Filipe Luis all suspended and Stefan Savic out through injury.

That leaves only Jose Gimenez available from Atletico’s regular back four, and Simeone confirmed he will re-position young midfielder Saul into the centre of defence, with Jesus Gamez and French teenager Lucas Hernandez occupying the full-back slots.

Elsewhere, Athletic Bilbao will look to put pressure on fourth-placed Villarreal as they meet at San Mames, with the hosts knowing today’s game is their last realistic opportunity to maintain their own quest for a Champions League qualifying place.