Lejeune: We have to be more compact, stronger and more solid at the back

Speaking today to the press at Atxabalpe, SD Eibar's centre-back, Florian Lejeune, stressed that the Armeros need to improve on "the defensive aspects of the game and continue to do what we've been doing since the start of the season".

Fran Rico missed today's training session with a bout of gastroenteritis, as did Iván Ramis, who is suffering from muscle fatigue. Meanwhile, Nano Mesa returned to training alongside the rest of the group and he was able to train as usual.

"We've made mistakes in the past two matchdays, but we've been able to score goals at the other end too. We have to be more compact, better balanced and stronger at the back, be more solid and show better concentration. We've got a lot of areas to improve on".

Lejeune, who was named Best Defender in last season's LaLiga 1|2|3 at the LaLiga Awards Gala held on Monday, declared that "I'm really delighted and very happy to have been awarded such a major accolade".

When asked as to whether the visit of Villarreal represents a special game for him, after having spent two seasons with this weekend's opponents (between 2011 and 2013, during which time he made appearances for the both the first team and the B-team), he stated that "I didn't spend that many years there and the most important thing is that I'm now here at Eibar and I want us to win the match".

"It'll be a high-intensity game and there'll be a lot to play for in the middle of the park. We're going to have to be more compact than ever. Villarreal didn't get off to a great start, but they're now doing well, are winning games and are a very strong side".

Lejeune singled out Villarreal's Cédric Bakambu as being a player that he and his teammates will have to keep a special eye on, commenting that "he's quick, has an eye for goal and is good at dropping into the hole, he's got real quality". In addition to Bakambu, the Frenchman also highlighted that the Castellón outfit have "some other very good players".