Mendilibar: The Real Sociedad game will be a special one
The Armeros' boss has fitness doubts over Iván Alejo and Fabián Orellana
Speaking today in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's Guipuzcoan derby against Real Sociedad at Ipurua (18:30 CEST kick-off), José Luis Mendilibar stated that it'll "be a special game" for a number of reasons.
Mendilibar will be without the injured Fran Rico and Sergi Enrich, whilst captain Dani García misses out through suspension. There are also doubts surrounding the fitness of Iván Alejo, who is suffering from backache, and Fabián Orellana, who this week returned to train alongside his teammates following injury.
"It's an important game, it's a derby match. We've lost our last two and they've had some changes. It'll be a special game".
When asked about Imanol Alguacil's appointment as Real Sociedad coach, Mendilibar commented "In terms of their playing style, I don't think it'll change things all that much because his Sanse side played in a similar way. They'll perhaps play a more high-intensity game and press more. What's more, every player always ups their performances when a new coach comes in. They'll put us under pressure and make things uncomfortable for us".
On the Armeros' three wins in the sides' trio of LaLiga meetings at Ipurua in the past three seasons, Mendilibar insisted that "The statistics don't mean anything to me", whilst admitting that "We've done well against La Real at Ipurua and I hope to be able to say the same after Sunday's game".
In terms of the team's objective, Mendilibar stressed that "We're not targeting seventh spot or any other position. That's not out target, our aim is to pick up as many points as we can and try to beat last season's tally. Ultimately the number of points we manage to get will determine where we finish in the table".