Eibar - Almeria preview - Francisco wants positive approach

Posted Sunday, December 07, 2014 by PA

Almeria coach Francisco has called for "ambition" and "aggression" from his side as they travel to the Basque country to take on Eibar.

Almeria are just one place above the bottom three with only a superior goal difference separating them from the relegation zone.

A 4-3 Copa del Rey win over Real Betis was a rare victory for Francisco's side who had lost five of their last six matches, including their last league match against Rayo Vallecano.

"We leave for Eibar with the same attitude against Rayo Vallecano, being ambitious and aggressive," he said in his pre-match press conference.

"Victory is very important for us and in a game of this importance the technical and tactical aspects go into the background.

"We have to be mentally right for this match, we have to have maximum concentration and be ambitious.

"We must be very intense and aggressive, try to get the ball and make sure that they are not comfortable on the field.

"Eibar are a very good team that will make things very difficult."

Almeria are without the suspended Verzer but Francisco Ramon Azeez is back in the matchday squad after serving a suspension.

Eibar come into the game off a 3-0 hammering by Getafe in the Copa del Rey on Friday and despite their comfortable mid-table position they have yet to win at the Ipurua Municipal Stadium in the league this season.

"This is one of the most important games and we need everything to win, this is going to be a close game," said coach Gaizka Garitano.

Garitano apologised and took responsibility for the heavy defeat against Getafe, but added: "However we must think about tomorrow."

Didac Vila is a doubt as is Jaime Jimenez while Abraham has begun training and could feature.