The Mini Submarine boss highlighted the virtues of the Basque side before the game this Friday (9pm CET)
Villarreal B head coach Miguel Álvarez appeared before the press ahead of the match against SD Eibar at Ipurua, corresponding to Gameweek 29 of the 2022/23 LaLiga SmartBank season, which will take place this Friday at 9pm CET.
Álvarez praised the strong and versatile Eibar team, who are especially good at home. Here are his thoughts on the game:
Feeling positive after the win over Racing
“When you win the morale is very high for the whole team, although we try not to let the boys get carried away. We are playing one of the most intriguing games. They have one of the managers I like the most and, in general, they are also one of the teams I like the most.”
A tough match
“Last year they were on the verge of promotion. They’re a strong team at home and have very strong automatisms, but if we want to continue to grow, games like this are a huge opportunity. Eibar are one of the teams that press the best and put the most crosses into the box. It’s a complicated challenge that motivates me a lot.”
What sort of match to expect
“I expect a team that presses a lot, with a high block that doesn’t let us get out of our own half. We will have to be very strong on both flanks because they do a lot of one on one or two on two. We have to be very good defensively and manage the ball well, which is something we did well against Racing, because that’s what stops them from pinning you back in your area.”
Ipurua, a test of fire
“Eibar make you submit to them in terms of possession because they have very good players and, on top of that, it’s a stadium that has a special aura about it and, if you don’t pay attention to your opponents, by the time you realise it, you’re already losing. It’s a stadium that demands a lot, but the lads are getting clearer every day and, as they’re competitive, we’re having a remarkable season. I expect a very good game from all of them.”
Minutes for everyone
“I see it as a good thing. We’re in training, we’re a B TEAM and everyone has to feel important. Everyone. In youth football we must be able to avoid labelling people. The case of Carreira and Carlos Romero is clear. At the beginning they didn’t have many minutes, but they understand that it’s part of the process and now they are having a great moment. This doesn’t mean that Migue and Tasende are no longer great players, because they are. They will continue to be important. The fundamental thing is that they all feel involved and feel important and know how to wait for their moment.”
A competitive fixture list
“It has a very positive influence. They are excited about playing these kinds of games. We have to play against top teams now. Almost all the remaining opponents are at the top. Plus, we’re lucky enough to be playing at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The lads are very motivated.”
