Dmitrović: There's fierce competition for the number 1 spot and that's really going to help us
The Serbian shotstopper is about to embark on his second campaign at Eibar
Speaking today to the press gathered at Atxabalpe, Marko Dmitrović declared that the fact that he's competing with two other goalkeepers (Asier Riesgo, Yoel) for the number 1 jersey will work in the team's favour because "there's fierce competition and that's really going to help us".
"Nobody's guaranteed that starting spot and everyone wants to play. We're all working really hard and are trying to give the gaffer a selection headache so that he could play any one of the three goalkeepers and has to decide on one of us. The fact that there's competition is really positive and each of us will be giving our all to get the nod. In every single training session, you can't afford to let up for even a second, you've got to seize even the smallest of opportunities.
"The two of us who don't play won't be happy, but that's how it goes in football. First and foremost we're friends and then teammates. I'm battling to claim that number 1 spot, I'll give all I've got and then it'll be down to the gaffer to decide. It's important that the three of us perform to a very high standard to help the team".
In reference to the pre-season campaign, Dmitrović noted that "We've been working really hard". "We're not at the top of our game just yet, but we're working hard to make sure we're in the best possible shape for when the LaLiga season comes around".
The Eibar custodian believes that the standard of LaLiga will be better than it was last term. "Each year the amounts of money being spent are rising and better, higher quality players are being brought in. All of the teams are recruiting very well and it'll be harder to achieve our target of avoiding relegation. It'll be a tough season, there'll be between 10 and 12 teams battling to stay up. We've got a very good squad and one which should be looking to stay up as a first target at the least, and then we'll see how things go and try to finish as high up as possible.
The Serbian goalkeeper stressed that he's fully focused on continuing as an Eibar player. "My focus is on Eibar, I'm enjoying my time here, feel very much at home and I've got no reason to want to leave. If a good offer for me and the club comes in one day, we'll sit down and discuss it. The only circumstances under which I'd leave is if Eibar are happy with the deal, because this club has done a great deal for me. If an offer comes in, we would both have to be really happy with it. I'm enjoying every day here and don't see myself playing for anyone but Eibar.
On his involvement at the Russia World Cup, Dmitrović commented that it was a shame that he didn't feature, before highlight that "I've got 10 years in the professional ranks ahead of me and am sure that I'll get another chance to represent my country at a World Cup".
He also referred to Kepa Arrizabalaga's summer move to Chelsea, commenting that "The market and the sums involved are getting bigger each year. It's a forward step in Kepa's career and he's almost certainly worth the fee because Chelsea are a big club, one of the top sides in England, and they know exactly what they're doing when it comes to signing players. If they've paid €80 million for him it's because he's worth it".