Mendilibar: I hope we continue to put points on the board because we're in good form and are confident
The Armeros' boss recognised just what a tough prospect lies ahead "against a great side that wins games even when they're not performing"
Speaking today in his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's clash against Valencia CF at Ipurua (18:30 CET kick-off), José Luis Mendilibar expressed his hope that "we continue to put points on the board because we're in good form and are confident".
Eibar have recorded three wins and a draw in their last four league outings. Mendilibar, who welcomes back the fit-again Cristian Rivera and Charles from suspension, is set to include all of the players currently available to him in his squad list, including feeder-team goalkeeper Markel Areitio. The Armeros' boss will announce the squad after tomorrow's team lunch.
"I hope that we continue to put points on the board, whilst bearing in mind that we're coming up against Valencia, who are a great side and are on very good form. They're a team that despite not playing well in their last home game, still managed to win it, which is a sign of a top side. To be up there in the table you need to win games even when things don’t go for you, that speaks volumes of the team's focus. They're a team that play at a great pace, they're strong in attack and their players are committed to helping out defensively".
"This year Valencia can make the most of the fact that they're not involved in Europe to go on and have a good season. It's not easy to score goals and keep clean sheets at the other end. They made a lot of good signings this summer and have the strength you need to attack without the slightest bit of fear, knowing that if they lose the ball, they've got good cover behind them".
In terms of the injuries in both camps, Mendilibar declared that "This season there are many teams that are suffering with a lot of injuries. I think it's because the league is so strong, there's a real intensity to games, teams train at a high tempo, with real desire and it's therefore perfectly normal that players pick up injuries. If you train well, those players who have had less game time will be ready to come in and replace those who feature more often".