Mendilibar: I see the team as being really focused and daring to do things they didn't before
The Eibar boss has 16 players available to him and has called up two members of the feeder-team squad
Speaking in the build-up to tomorrow's clash against Málaga CF at Ipurua, José Luis Mendilibar today stated that his sees his side "as being really focused and daring to do things they wouldn't have tried a month and a half ago".
The Armeros' boss has to contend with the absences of the suspended Fran Rico, whilst Asier Riesgo, Alejandro Gálvez, David Juncà, Kike García and Nano Mesa all miss out on account of various fitness issues, leaving the home side with just 16 available players. All of those who are currently sidelined, barring Nano, are in line to return next weekend.
The squad list, which features two players from the club's feeder team, CD Vitoria, is as follows: Yoel, Areitio, Capa, Arbilla, Dos Santos, Ramis, Lejeune, Luna, Dani García, Escalante, Adrián, Rivera, Pedro León, Inui, Bebé, Rubén Peña, Sergi Enrich and Josué.
Mendilibar insisted that his side won't be guilty of indulging in complacency, a quality his charges evidenced in the Granada game, which came on the back of the 4-0 away triumph over Valencia. "We're confident and are looking increasingly sure of ourselves. We're a bold side and we try and go out and do what we believe we have to, which is an asset. We're not becoming over relaxed, nor do we believe that we're better than the opposition. If you don't put the yards in out on the pitch, any team will outperform you".
As for tomorrow's encounter, the Eibar coach predicts that his side will, "dominate the game". "I think that they'll sit back from the start and see what they can do. We can't allow them the opportunity to surprise us on any counter-attacks".
"Their intention at the start of the season wasn't to be where they are at the moment, they were looking to get into Europe or come close. Their win the other day saw them move away from the relegation places and their focus, in addition to putting points on the board, will be on looking up the league rather than over their shoulders. The players that they have brought in are making a contribution and have made them look more solid. They're in very good form".
When quizzed about former Eibar man, Keko Gontán, who is now plying his trade at Málaga, Mendilibar remarked, "We know all about him and he also knows all about us. Ultimately, nowadays everyone knows all there is no know about everyone. However, that doesn't mean to say that stopping him will be any easier. Málaga are doing well and Keko is now performing better than he was. You can see his flair and that he's keen to produce things out on the pitch".