Athletic Bilbao vs Racing de Santander preview - Bilbao boss calls for more

Posted Sunday, December 11, 2011 by PA

Athletic Bilbao manager Marcelo Bielsa has demanded more from his side after they only edged past minnows Real Oviedo in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.

Bilbao avoided an embarrassing defeat against a tough and hard-working Oviedo outfit, holding on for a 1-0 win courtesy of Oscar de Marcos' first-half goal, but the margin of victory was not what many had expected.

Bielsa, in particular, had been looking for a more convincing result against third-tier opposition and will be hoping for a response when his side return to Primera Division duty at home to Racing Santander.

"We had enough chances to make the score more emphatic but none clear enough and I think the end result was fair, though short on goals," said Bielsa.

"The differences between the sides were as you would imagine. They had less technical ability but we had to overcome physical strength, enthusiasm and mentality, as well as their organisation and other factors.

"But we need to be more effective."

Bielsa's men have had mixed form at home in recent weeks, beating Atletico Madrid 3-0 and earning an impressive 2-2 draw against Barcelona only to suffer a 1-0 defeat to Granada.

Racing are under the interim control of Juanjo Gonzalez following Hector Cuper's resignation and his stint started well with a 1-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday.

It was only Racing's second win of the season and he is eager to add another.

"(The win over Villarreal) was not a mirage. The important thing is to get the points and do whatever we have to do," said Gonzalez.

" It is clear Athletico will try and squeeze the life from us and we must be prepared to counter that."