The Spaniard wants his side to perform more strongly in the second half of the season than they have so far, and he considers the recruitment of new players in the transfer window an essential part of the process in making that happen.

Wigan face Blackburn at the DW Stadium on Boxing Day on the back of only one win in seven games, and they are lurking just outside the bottom three albeit with 10th-placed Sunderland only three points better off.

Martinez said: "We are looking for players in every position during the window.

"I have been delighted with the attitude and approach of my players. We just need extra numbers and an extra bit of competition.

"Should we get injuries and suspensions it could leave us exposed and we do not want that to happen."

Survival in the Premier League remains the main objective for Wigan, however their inconsistency has raised questions over their ability to stay up.

Martinez has enjoyed Wigan beating Chelsea and Aston Villa, but dejection followed the 9-1 defeat to Tottenham.

Former Swansea manager Martinez said: "We are inconsistent because it is a new group of players, so you expect it in a way.

"We have to try to eradicate that. That is where the challenge lies. The positive thing is when we play well we can compete against anyone.

"We are looking forward to the second half of the season, knowing we need to turn things around."

It has been a frustrating week so far for Martinez, after the home match against Bolton was postponed because of bad weather.

He knows Wigan have a stiff test when they face Sam Allardyce's Blackburn, even though the visitors have struggled on the road.

Martinez said: "When you get a Lancashire derby like this it is a game to look forward to.

"It will be competitive because Blackburn make life difficult for everyone. They are very strong in dead-ball situations.

"Sam Allardyce always gets his teams up for the occasion. But we are at home, so we have to take that responsibility."

Martinez has mixed feelings about a winter shutdown, given the snow that is sweeping the country.

"When you look at it from a weather point of view, a break would be the right thing," he said. "People don't enjoy the football as much.

"On the other hand they are special fixtures over the Christmas period and part of the programme."