Mendilibar: Our only target this season is to retain our top-flight status
Eibar open their LaLiga campaign on Monday night in Málaga
Speaking today in his pre-match press conference ahead of Monday's trip to Málaga, José Luis Mendilibar confirmed that his side's "only target" for this season is to "retain our top-flight status".
Tomorrow sees the Eibar squad complete their final training session of the week, after which the Armeros' boss will name his 18-man squad for the trip to Málaga.
"Some people may demand more of us but there are 10-12 teams that are fighting to finish between 10th and 18th. Regardless of whether you think that last season was a good one and that we got things right or otherwise in terms of the players that we brought in, those 10-12 teams are very evenly matched and it takes very little for you to slip down the table and you then struggle to haul yourself back".
"The team head to Málaga in good shape. We're carrying some injuries but the core of the squad are in fine fettle. Many of the players got a lot of minutes under their belt during pre-season. There are some who have been out for periods with injuries but these things happen. We've had a good pre-season".
"You can't read too much into the pre-season matches. At the end of the day they're nothing more than warm-up games, they're useful in that they allow you to give everyone playing time and to see the team you're going to field in your opening fixture. I'm in no doubt that the players are in good shape to begin the season".