Villarreal vs Eibar - Marcelino has a spring in his step ahead of Eibar clash

Villarreal coach Marcelino will have an extra bounce in his step when his team hosts Eibar on Sunday after putting pen to paper on a three-year contract extension.

The Spanish tactician, who has been in charge of the Yellow Submarine since January 2013, voiced his delight after signing a new deal this week that will keep him at the Madrigal Stadium until June 2019.

"We've been here for such a long time because we like this club," he said on the club's official website.

"We like the project and the way they do things.

"My idea was to remain here and that is also what the club wanted.

"Moreover, I have been given a three-year contract extension, something that is very difficult in Spanish football.

"I thank the club, its president and all the players.

"Now we hope we can do well, starting on Sunday."

Marcelino has led Villarreal to sixth-place finishes in La Liga in the past two campaigns and the Valencian outfit enjoyed a strong start to the season and even led the Primera Division standings for the first time in the club's history last month.

They go into Sunday's match in fifth place, seven points adrift of league leaders Barcelona.

Moreover, Villarreal are also competing in Europe and only require a draw against Rapid Vienna next Thursday to seal a spot in the last 32 of the Europa League.

"We want to continue to improve and continue to play in Europe," Marcelino said.

Villarreal, 3-0 losers at Barcelona prior to the international break, have won four and lost just one of their opening five games at home.

They take on an Eibar side that has punched above its weight this season.

The Basque outfit finished the 2014-15 campaign in the relegation zone but were allowed to remain in Spain's top flight after Elche were demoted because of the club's financial situation.

Eibar, one place and one point adrift of Villarreal, have lost just once on the road this season.

They travel to Villarreal looking to make it three wins in a row for the first time this campaign.

Jose Luis Mendilibar's men followed their 1-0 triumph over Rayo Vallecano with a 3-1 win over Getafe before the international break.

"Things are going better than we thought," Eibar midfielder Dani Garcia said to Marca.

"We are very happy and we hope our good run of form will continue.

"We can still improve and we know there is still a long way to go and we must keep our feet on the ground."