Athletic Bilbao Coach Marcelo Bielsa was pleased with his side’s performance in their 3-1 win over Slaven Belupo at San Mames.
Debutant Ismael Lopez grabbed a brace either side of Markel Susaeta’s solitary strike as Athletic put themselves in the box seat to progress ahead of the second leg of their Europa League qualifier in Croatia on August 9.
Despite his team’s comfortable victory, Bielsa lamented his side’s inability to score more goals, particularly in the second half.
“We should have scored more. In the first half we dominated possession and scored two goals.
“In the second half we tried to attack more but only scored one goal,” he told a post-match Press conference.
His side may hold the advantage but Bielsa made it clear that his players will be aiming for a win in the return leg.
“Our expectation is to win again,” said the 57-year-old.
The former Argentina Coach also added that he was not concerned for Fernando Llorente, who received a mix reaction from the home crowd when coming on as a substitute in the second period due to his inability to agree a new contract with the club.
“Llorente has the strength to overcome this. They were less than kind to him, but, while some booed other fans clapped,” he concluded.
