Mendilibar: We're in very good shape to be able to compete tomorrow
Barring the suspended Kike, the SD Eibar boss has a full squad available to him
Speaking today in his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's clash against RC Celta at Ipurua (18:30 CET), SD Eibar coach, José Luis Mendilibar, declared that his side "is in very good shape to be able to compete tomorrow".
Apart from the absence of Kike García through suspension, Mendilibar has no injuries to contend with and has called up all 22 members of his squad.
"We've had a good week, we haven't had any issues and the players have trained very well. We're ready to put in a good performance, go out and play well and make life difficult for Celta and we'll have to see if that's enough for us to win the game".
In Mendilibar's eyes, the Galicians are a "different sort of team". "They always set up to play in the same way, regardless of the opposition and whether they're at home or away. They also play with real intensity and at a high rhythm. They always look to play in the opposition's half, just as we do. They're a very tough side to play against".
"There are very few teams that can claim to be very strong both up top and in defence. It takes a very good side to excel at both ends of the pitch. If you're capable of creating chances and scoring goals, why is it seen as being better to draw 0-0 than 3-3? Why is it considered better to win 1-0 than 3-2? At the end of the day it's all about the points. If you're capable of scoring goals that's a very good sign, it means that if the opposition score, you can still draw or win the game. It's important to appreciate a side that's able to score goals and is capable of coming from behind in games. I prefer that sort of team to one that draws 0-0".
In terms of the suspension to both teams' strikers (Kike García and Iago Aspas), the Armeros' boss noted that both players "have been starters for the most part and that's because the two of them have performed well".
"Kike puts in a lot of good work for us. He might not have got many goals, but he works very hard and that allows others to score the goals. I hope that whoever comes in for Kike performs well and that his absence isn't noticeable".