BARCELONA, Jan. 17 (SportsFinding) –
The coach of SD Eibar, José Luis Mendilibar, said Friday in the previous match against Atlético de Madrid in Ipurua that he believes they are already “closer” to be able to win the 'mattresses' for the first time in LaLiga Santander, although he has highlighted the variety of styles that can be carried out successfully by the team of Diego Pablo Simeone.
“If we have to bet, we will bet on winning at Atlético, we will have to win sometime. The same is the occasion. It is closer that we can get something,” he told a press conference.
At the moment, in the eleven games played between both in the top category, Eibar has been able to achieve two unique draws, curiously both as a visitor, and has lost the rest of the games, all played in Ipurua.
In addition, Mendilibar believes that his rival, as seen in the Spanish Super Cup against FC Barcelona, does not even need to play better to win. “It's what Atlético has, it doesn't have to play better than the rival, nor does it have to have more possession or more arrivals to win,” he added.
“Sometimes they squeeze, sometimes they are comfortable defending in their own area. The colors will not come out because they are folded, they are comfortable and well. But I always say the same thing, they have great players and a very good coach who when they have to play like a little one, they do it, “he said of the opponent.
That's why he thinks he won't use his high pressure, suffocating in Eibar, if he doesn't see it clearly. “If we can push up, we will, of course. But we cannot go crazy above if we know that two lines will pass if they play us long. They have different forms of play, diversity, and in the same game they can play different ways, “he argued.
“Morata, the Portuguese (Joao Félix) or Saúl, whoever it is, that it is better for you to arrive and win you is one thing, but we cannot give anything away. You have to be focused because they can mark you in any play. We must have attention throughout the game, “commented on the offensive power of the rival.
“If it is difficult to play with a zero draw, because they are not going to give you anything, with one goal against, even less. If they close further back they do it but if they have to squeeze, they squeeze. If you think they are going to make a single thing alone, you are confused, “he said.
To try to win the rojiblancos for the first time, he believes they must play as a real group. “Against an Atlético like this, if we are not a team we are not going to get it. We have to look at the teammate who is next, if not, wrong. We have to strengthen the team, it is being like that and I hope to continue like this. The players they rely on their peers, and it is essential, “he appealed.
On the newcomer Sebastián Cristóforo, he said he could debut. “He has forgotten the flu process, he has not played too much but he is well. I have seen him well, I think the good thing for a team like ours is that he always plays forward, looks more ahead than on the sides. I do not know if he can being a Gonzalo (Escalante) with more overflow and more physical, and with the desire of Gonzalo. I think it will help us, “he added.