Athletic Bilbao vs Real Betis preview - Mel content with Betis form

Posted Thursday, September 26, 2013 by PA

Real Betis coach Pepe Mel insisted he was pleased with his team's progress, despite an irregular start to the season, ahead of Thursday's Primera Division trip to Athletic Bilbao.

The Andalusians, who finished sixth in La Liga last term, have won just one game so far, and have just five points from a possible 15.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Mel said: "The team are working hard and, regardless of how many points we have, we haven't felt inferior to any of the teams we have faced - quite the opposite."

Last season this fixture finished 5-3 to Betis, while the year before the Andalusians ran out winners in a 3-2 thriller.

Despite the precedents, Mel believes things will be different this time around, emphasising that the Basques had improved since Ernesto Valverde took over.

The new coach has led the club to three wins and two defeats in his opening five games.

"Athletic-Betis is always a spectacular game, and Valverde has imposed his style on Athletic. But the two teams have changed since the last two years," Mel said.

"Athletic aren't as physical as they used to be and don't allow you any space. Their style has changed.

"They are confident now and with their fans behind them at San Mames it's always difficult, as they put a lot of pressure on you."

Athletic midfielder Benat Etxebarria will face his former club, having left Betis for his hometown club in the summer for an estimated 8million euros (B#6.7 million).

"Benat is where he wants to be, back home, and we wish him every bit of luck," Mel said.

"He has got into the Spain team, the world champions, and that says a lot about how well he is doing."

Mel has rotated his squad frequently this season as they compete in the league and the Europa League, and hinted he would make changes from the team that drew 0-0 with Granada last weekend.

"We have players that aren't as fresh as some others, and the whole reason you have a squad is to use it," he said.

Mel explained that he left Alvaro Vadillo out of the group to give him time to rest after playing three straight matches. He joins Braian Rodriguez in missing the trip to Bilbao, but Nosa Igiebor and Didac Vila have been included.

Athletic are still without Borja Ekiza and Kike Sola, while Mikel Balenziaga and Enric Saborit are both doubts.

The possible absence of the team's two natural left-backs means Aymeric Laporte, normally a centre-back, is set to continue in that position.