Mendilibar: Atlético are tough opponents but we'll have our chances of getting through
Given the unavailability of a number of players, the Eibar boss has named three members of the feeder team in his squad list.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, SD Eibar coach José Luis Mendilibar stressed that his side's Copa del Rey quarter-final opponents, Atlético Madrid, are "tough opposition", before insisting that, "we'll have our chances of getting through".
Mendilibar has to contend with the absences of the injured Asier Riesgo, Iván Ramis, Anaitz Arbilla, Kike García and Nano, who sprained his ankle in today's training session. Meanwhile, Dani García has been handed a rest after feeling some discomfort.
The squad list for tomorrow's game is as follows: Yoel, Markel Areitio; Capa, Dos Santos, Gálvez, Lejeune, Luna, Escalante, Rivera, Sarriegi, Rico, Bebé, Pedro León, Rubén Peña, Adrián, Inui, Enrich and Josue Dorrio.
"We'll put out a strong side with a view to getting a good result, whilst recognising that we've suffered a number of injuries in the last few weeks. As the players return to fitness, we'll start to think about the next games, but right now we're just focusing on tomorrow's match. We'll put a good side out and I'm certain that we'll give Atlético a tough time".
During his press conference, the Armeros' boss also revealed that some of the regular starters in La Liga fixtures are set to feature tomorrow, "on account of the injuries that we've picked up". "Had we not suffered those, I wouldn't name any of the same players from the weekend because we've got as far as we have thanks to the players who have played in this competition, who have done a good job".
"We've got past two teams from Primera and that shows that the players have performed well. They're competing very well and deserve to play. If we get through this tie, we can then start to seriously think about winning the Copa del Rey".
When quizzed about tomorrow's opponents, Mendilibar stated that, "An Atlético Madrid side managed by Simeone will always be strong in one way or another, regardless of who plays and the way they set up, they'll always compete and compete well".
"They won't be going all out to win the game, they'll be comfortable with whatever result they pick up at their place. They won't be worried about needing to beat us or making sure that they don't concede. They've got such fine players that they're capable of going anywhere and winning".