Mendilibar: If we're to take anything from Sevilla, we'll have to perform well and be focused
The Eibar boss is set to name his squad for the trip to the Sánchez-Pizjuán tomorrow
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's trip to Sevilla, Eibar head coach, José Luis Mendilibar, insisted that "If we're to take anything from Sevilla, we'll need to really perform well and be focused for the whole 90 minutes".
Mendilibar is poised to name his squad list for Saturday's encounter tomorrow, with Yoel, Fran Rico and Pedro León ruled out through injury and Joan Jordán sidelined through suspension.
"Sevilla have the players to field two good sides. They've not got the same players as last year, but they're similar in terms of their playing style, which hasn't changed all that much. We'll set up as we always do. We've produced some good displays away at Sevilla in the past".
"In footballing terms, we're aware that they're aggressive and have their own style and we know that they'll push us to the limit. If we're to come away with anything, we'll have to be fully focused. We can't afford any lapses in concentration. If we're not strong in possession, they'll take the ball off us. We'll need to perform well and be fully focused for the 90 minutes. Both teams will press quite high up the pitch. Whichever side does a better job of regaining possession in the opposition's half will be in with a good chance of winning the game. I don't think that it'll be a match in which either team sits back, indeed quite the opposite".
The Eibar boss was full of praise for Sevilla coach, Eduardo Berizzo, revealing that "I really rate him, both as a coach, what with everything he achieved at Celta, and as a person. From the few times that I've spoken to him, he's always made a good impression.
Mendilibar stated that the international break had served to get out on the training pitch, offer the players a rest and get those who had been carrying knocks back and fit. In reference to the make-up of the squad now that the summer transfer window has closed, he stated "we've got who we need and these are the players we go into battle with until 31 December at least".