Garagarza: We've got a strong and competitive team

SD Eibar's director of football, Fran Garagarza, today insisted that Eibar have "a strong and competitive team" and that "we're pleased" with the squad that we've put together.

Speaking at a press conference held to assess the club's activity during the transfer window, Garagarza commented that his "assessment of the squad, which boasts several versatile players, is very positive".

The 24-man first-team squad, which has an average age of 27.42, offers "a mix of youth and experience". Meanwhile, the club's feeder team has a 22-man squad and an average age of 21.66.

Eibar also have six players out on loan: One in Primera División (Nano Mesa at Levante); four in Segunda División (Pablo Hervías at Valladolid, Unai Elgezabal and Pere Milla at Numancia and Jordi Calavera at Sporting de Gijón); as well as one player in Tercera División (Iñigo Susaeta at Anaitasuna).

Garagarza also commented on just how tough it is for the club to achieve its target of LaLiga survival. "I get the feeling that the number of points required to stay up this season will be higher than it was last year. The standard has improved and the three promoted sides have put together squads of real quality and they've recruited well. It'll be a tough year for everyone. We're in no doubt that all of us are going to have to work hard to achieve our target of survival, which is a difficult task every single year". 

When quizzed about Ander Capa's move to Athletic Club, which is due to be completed in June 2018, Gargarza insisted that "when it comes to talking about Capa you've got to take your hat off to him".  "He's a great lad. We had enquiries about him from a number of clubs and he's been here for seven years now. The important thing is that he'll remain here this season, which is what we wanted, and we're certain that he'll continue to be committed to the cause. He's done a great deal to stay on here. The move isn't detrimental to Eibar, because the priority was for him to remain here for this season".

With regards to Nano Mesa, who has been loaned out to Levante, Gargarza stated that "he'll return to Eibar once his loan is up". "He's a young lad with potential and it's good news that he's staying in Primera. He's got room to improve".