Mendilibar: Atlético's current playing style is virtually the same as it has always been under Simeone
The Eibar boss declared that his charges are in good spirits and in fine shape
SD Eibar coach José Luis Mendilibar today insisted that Atlético Madrid's recent games have seen Los Colchoneros adopt the same playing style which Diego Simeone has employed since his appointment at the Vicente Calderón, which is more in line with "their footballing philosophy".
Speaking in the build-up to Saturday's clash at Ipurua (16:15), Mendibiliar commented on how at the tail end of last season and the beginning of the current campaign, Atlético played "in a freer way, with more attack-minded players", but now, "Koke is back playing out on the left and Juanfran is employed ahead of the wing-back".
"It'll be a difficult game. They're a very tough side, they don't rush things in the build-up and are capable of scoring by lots of different means. All of their players work hard and they're very difficult to score against, that's what their game revolves around. They're really clear on their game plan and it's so tough to create anything against them, that speaks volumes of a side. If a team is capable of defending well, that's 50% of the battle. Atlético are strong defensively and they attack with a plan and at pace and with lots of options".
When asked about his charges, Mendilibar revealed that in the wake of Tuesday's triumph in Pamplona, the squad is "in good spirits and in fine shape. Whenever you win, there's a good atmosphere and things are much better from a mental point of view".
"We won't be changing our style all that much. We'll have to do something to try and pick gaps in their backline, as we look to fashion some openings".
In Mendilibar's eyes, to be in with a chance of claiming a positive result, Eibar will need to "attack when we have to, give our all when we're in and around their box, without hesitating for a second, whilst being aware that they are capable of doing a lot of damage on the counter. We mustn't attack their area with the fear of what they might go and do up the other end, but rather with our minds set on trying to score".
When quizzed about the prospect of bringing in any reinforcements during the January transfer window, despite the recent long-term injury sustained by Kike García, Mendilibar's thoughts have not altered. "I'm happy with my squad and that we've got enough to cope until the end of the season", unless there's a possibility of signing, "a player for more than six months, someone for the club's future".
"We may bring someone in on a six-month loan deal or something along those lines, but my thoughts remain the same. This is also an opportunity for us to call on the players who are coming up through the ranks. The Vitoria players have been joining us for training, and if we need any of them to come and help us in a game, we'll do that. It's a chance to prove that the players coming through are capable of doing a job for us".