Athletic Bilbao earned a place in the Copa del Rey final with an 8-3 aggregate win over Mirandes, and now the Argentine manager wants his team to lift the trophy.
In a repeat of the 2009 Copa del Rey final, the Basque club will lock horns with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marcelo-c23554 Bielsa, reminded
them they have not won anything yet.
Bielsa reflected that they have secured a place in the final which was an important checkpoint in their route to cup glory. He also highlighted that they have a difficult opposition against awaiting them
The experienced tactician insisted that Los Leones will not go into the final to make up the numbers, but will play to win it.
The manager was unfazed by Barcelona’s pedigree in cup finals and dismissed notions that any team will have an edge over the other.
"The goal is not the final - but to win it," the former Newell's Old Boys head coach told reporters after the match against Mirandes.
Bielsa then went on to pay special tribute to the San Mames faithful, who have cheered the club en-route to their path to the final.
"I had never before seen the fans as involved, influential and happy. I had many testimonies about the explosive atmosphere, but it is different to actually hear it [first hand].
"It feels very nice when football causes such excitement in people in such a healthy way. It is one of the best things about football."
Athletic players are gunning to match their wits with Barcelona in the final, with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Llorente-c13671 looking for revenge after their defeat in the 2009 decider.
"It's amazing to return to the final just a few years later," he is quoted as saying by AS. "We're thrilled.
"I have had some bad experiences with the club but we will always fight right to death against anyone."
The Copa del Rey final will be played on either May 20th or 25th, depending upon Barcelona’s progress in the UEFA Champions League.
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