Mendilibar: We'll need to perform very well if we're to pick up a positive result
The Eibar boss has included all 19 available players in his squad list for tomorrow's trip to the Camp Nou
Speaking ahead of tomorrow's clash against FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou, José Luis Mendilibar today insisted that his side would have to "perform very well" if they were to come away with a positive result.
"We'll have to try and perform as we usually do and make sure that the players take to the pitch with full belief. If there's the slightest of doubts, you've had it. We'll need a bit of luck to convert our chances and for fortune to escape them when it comes to them taking their chances, which they'll have, even if they're not playing well. We'll go there and try to make sure that everything goes in our favour, but there are a lot of things that'll have to go our way if we're to get a good result".
Mendilibar is set to travel to Barcelona with all 19 available members of his squad. The following players are all poised to miss out on account of various injuries: Yoel, Fran Rico, Pedro León, Iván Alejo and Iván Ramis.
In terms of the sidelined players, Mendilibar noted that "We've got 24 registered squad members and all we can ask is that they return to fitness as soon as possible, and in the meantime, we'll be using those players who are available".
The Eibar coach revealed that he intends on making some changes to the side he fielded for Friday's encounter against Leganés. "All of them want to feature in these kinds of games, but very often it's not a good idea to put out the same side".
When quizzed about the problems at Barcelona during pre-season, he stressed that Ernesto Valverde "is the most rational guy I know when it comes to doing things right and not panicking. I'm sure that amongst all of the shenanigans, he was the calmest head around".