Mendilibar: Alaves are comfortable and relaxed playing away from home
The Armeros' boss has to contend with the absences of the injured Iván Ramis and Fran Rico, whilst Asier Riesgo is also a doubt
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Sunday's clash against Deportivo Alavés at Ipurua, SD Eibar boss José Luis Mendilibar today stressed that the visitors are a side who are "comfortable and relaxed" when playing away from home.
Mendibiliar is unable to call on the services of the injured Iván Ramis and Fran Rico for the encounter, whilst there are question marks over the fitness of goalkeeper Asier Riesgo, who is suffering from a severe contusion to his right buttock.
The Armeros' coach underlined that in their most recent away trips, Mauricio Pellegrino's charges, "haven't panicked, they don't come out all guns blazing in search of victory and that gives them the peace of mind to go and see if they manage to get a goal and then prevent the other team from scoring".
"The opposition always want to get ahead early against them, but they're relaxed and, when they get the chance, they look to capitalise on the opposition's anxiety. All of the teams in the league generate concern for me, but it's true that Alavés have been going to tough places and picking up points, like the other day when they won 2-0 at Villarreal, who are a strong side at home".
When quizzed about the teams' last competitive meeting, which came back in May 2014 on a day when Eibar gained promotion to the top flight courtesy of a 1-0 secured by Jota Peleteiro's winner, Mendilibar stated that, "It's nice to remember those sorts of things, but that's of no relevance to us now." "We have to focus on the here and now in La Liga. We're well placed and they're also doing well. We're both in comfortable positions in the table and we'll be looking to get the points to improve our situation".