Mendilibar calls on players to be focused and brave
The Armeros' boss has included all 21 available players in his squad list
José Luis Mendilibar has demanded that his players are "focused and brave" ahead of tomorrow's clash against Real Madrid at Ipurua.
The Armeros' coach has included all 21 available players in his squad list, the injured Fran Rico, Sergi Enrich and Fabián Orellana missing out.
"Last season they won the game here at Ipurua in a 20-minute spell and we didn't have much of a chance. We'll need to perform well, be fully focused and really brave. If we end up concentrating more on them than on what we have to do, we won't have a chance. If we go out and do what we think we have to, whilst being aware of who we're up against, we'll be in with a chance of winning the game".
"We've got the utmost respect for the opposition because they're a very good side, but we just have to go out and do what we have to. If any of our players are frightened of doing something and end up doing thing differently to what we have to, our chances of winning the game will be greatly reduced".
Mendilibar went on to reveal how the team will set up in tomorrow's encounter, "We've got one playing style and we'll be trying to play that way tomorrow too".
"They've got enough to be able to compete in the Champions League, La Liga, the Copa del Rey and if they were involved in eight other competitions, that wouldn't be a problem either. They've now played in the Champions League and don't play in it again for another fortnight. They'll be coming here tomorrow to win, because, at the end of the day, finishing third isn't the same as finishing second. They've got the sorts of players and are the kind of team that always want to finish as high up the league as possible".
Mendilibar went on to insist that now that the team's league status is secured, the target is nowto reach last season's 54-point tally.