Mendilibar: It'll be an open game that both teams have a chance of winning
The Eibar coach has called up all 23 members of his squad for the clash
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's Ipurua showdown against Real Sociedad, SD Eibar coach José Luis Mendilibar predicted that the game would be, "a very open one" and suggested that, "looking at the form of both sides, we're both in with a chance of winning it".
The Armeros' boss has called up all 23 members of his squad, who will meet for breakfast at Ipurua before the coach names his squad for the game. Mendilibar has a full complement of players to choose from, with no suspensions or injuries to contend with.
When asked about Eibar's victories in the sides' last two top-flight meetings at Ipurua, he insisted that, "the facts are what they are, but on the other hand, they'll be saying that they have to set the record straight. We won last season's game, but we shouldn't be thinking about what's happened in the past. Let's think instead about this game".
"They made fewer changes to their side than we did (in the midweek matchday). We believe that we're in good shape, despite the defeat (at Málaga). We're looking good and I think it'll be an open game because both teams play quite open football and you'll see that out on the pitch".
"We know all about La Real's team. They've got some good players, they'll come here fired up for the derby and it'll be a tough game for us, just as I hope it will be for them. There'll be chances at both ends and we'll have to see which side is the more clinical".
In Mendilibar's eyes, his charges won't be as "tired" after he made several changes for the Málaga game. "We didn't end up getting anything out of the game and the result apart, which is the most important thing, we played well and could have taken something from it. We created enough chances to have scored in the second half and we were the better side in the opening 45 minutes".
"We shouldn't be fearful of being too tired. We've had a day's more rest than them. In these types of games your mind plays a big part, you've got to remain focused. If your head tells you that you can do something, you're legs will follow".
Commenting on the 13:00 kick-off time, the Eibar boss stated that, "In my eyes, the best possible time for a game is 12:00 or 13:00, that's the time we finish training. Those times are ideal to play at because we're used to training all year round at those times of the day. It's trickier when you have to play at 22:00. For the players the day flies by, you meet up for breakfast then the game soon comes round and you finish up early".