BATE Borisov vs Athletic Bilbao preview - BATE boss demands response

Posted Tuesday, September 30, 2014 by PA

BATE Borisov manager Aleksandr Yermakovich has set his sights on making amends for his side's Champions League thrashing at the hands of Porto.

The Belarussian side were routed 6-0 in their Group H opener two weeks ago and cannot afford a repeat performance when they welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Borisov Arena.

Yermakovich's side have drawn both league games since their punishment in Portugal, but he is still hoping for a positive reaction when they return to continental competition on Tuesday.

"I'm sure we'll approach the game with good mentality," he said.

"We want to make amends for the loss at Porto and to prove we are able to play and counteract solid European teams and great players.

"We are determined to make up for that loss and will do our best."

And despite his optimistic outlook, Yermakovich is treating Athletic with plenty of respect.

The visitors may be on a wretched run of form, losing three and drawing two of the last five matches, including against group rivals Shakhtar Donetesk.

But the BATE coach said: "There's no need to introduce Athletic, this is a team from a top league where they finished fourth last season. That says a lot already.

"Such teams boast players with great technique and who are good individually. So I can only point out the positives for us and it'll be interesting to test ourselves against such an opposition."

Athletic's dip in form sees them down in 16th place in the Primera Division, but boss Ernesto Valverde is hoping a break from domestic action can prove beneficial.

"This is another competition for us and for now we are undefeated," he said.

"We will go out for the win, as we always do. Our mind is set on qualification and that is a good feeling to drive us.

"We should be assured that when the team has worked we have done well."