Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone says they need to find consistency.

Atletico welcome Espanyol to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday knowing that three points are required after a disappointing run of results.

"We have had these ideas for years and we need to show them on the pitch, sometimes you can see it and sometimes you can't," Simeone explained.

"We've been inconsistent like most teams in LaLiga Santander and the team who is most concentrated will be the best.

"We need to work on concentration and consistency and you get that on the pitch, not from talking."

However, the coach was also keen to recognise that his team are not at their best after defeat to Champions League opponents Bayer Leverkusen in midweek.

"It's a bit complicated because we have three important players out," Simeone insisted.

"When we are all available we will be stronger and have more competition, that will help us to keep improving.

"We need to convince ourselves that we can do it and find the consistency that we are looking for."