Mendilibar: We're two sides with quite similar footballing philosophies
The Armeros' coach believes that Athletic won't alter their playing style despite being without Aduriz and Raúl García
Speaking today ahead of Sunday's clash against Athletic Club at San Mamés, SD Eibar boss, José Luis Mendilibar shared his belief that "We're two sides with quite similar footballing philosophies".
In his press conference ahead of Sunday's encounter, Mendilibar insisted that the fact that Aritz Aduriz and Raúl García are unavailable through suspension will not alter the way in which Ernesto Valverde's side approach the game.
"Both of them are really strong guys and great players and they excel on high balls and when the team plays direct football. Perhaps with other players in there they'll look to hurt us in behind, but they won't be changing their playing style".
"They're used to competing in several competitions and that's the objective they'll have set themselves. I believe that they'll have put together a squad to meet that target, which is to finish as high up the league table as possible and go as far go as far as they can in the cup competitions. To be able to do that they're required to have really good strength in depth".
In Mendilibar's eyes, Eibar and Athletic "are two sides with quite similar footballing philosophies: to play with intensity, tempo and put the opposition under pressure in their own half and neither of us mind playing direct football if that's what we've got to do".
"We're aware of the conditions we'll face at San Mamés. We'll have to be ready to play at a ground where the fans get behind their team and the games usually seem to last for an eternity. In physical terms we're ready for it, let's see whether we can prove that we're also mentally prepared. I believe that we're ready for it and we know that playing at San Mamés is always tough, on account of the opposition and the fans".
Mendilibar went on to note that these games "are always special for everyone". "There aren't many kilometres between us and we're also currently sitting close to each other in the table. I'm expecting a tough game".
In reference to the performances put in by his squad players in the Copa del Rey fixture against Sporting Gijón on Tuesday, he declared that, "they did very well, they competed really well and we were the better side in the first half. I only played them because I knew that they would do a good job. I know that all of the players are capable of competing and I'll name my team for Sunday on that basis".