Athletic Bilbao vs Celta Vigo preview - Bielsa offers Llorente advice

Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa has urged wantaway striker Fernando Llorente to ignore criticism from the club's fans as his side go in search of much-needed Primera Division points at home to Celta Vigo.

Bilbao, who head into the weekend one place behind their opponents in 15th place, ended their Europa League campaign in midweek with a goalless draw against Sparta Prague - during which Llorente was substituted at half-time.

But Bielsa is set to stick with Llorente - who has signalled his intention to leave the club at the end of the season - despite continuing abuse from home fans angry at the player's recent public announcement.

Bielsa said: "He will have to cope with the criticism. I assume he will learn to take it because it has happened before. It happened (against Sparta), and there is no guarantee that it will not happen again."

Bielsa's men have taken just one point from their last three games in La Liga and are anxious to bounce back at home to Celta after last Saturday's 5-1 humbling at leaders Barcelona.

Visitors Celta come into the game on a good run of form after going unbeaten in three league games, but will be without Alex Lopez, who has a hamstring injury, and suspended defender Gustavo Cabral.

Midfielder Jonathan Vila said: "It is going to be a tough game and we see the importance of seeing off a direct rival in Bilbao.

"We all the know the quality of Bilbao's attackers, and at home they are even more dangerous."