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Pep seeks killer instinct

Image: Messi: On his way back

Barcelona head coach Pep Guardiola has called on his side to show more of a killer instinct in front of goal.

Guardiola wants more goals as Messi recovers from injury

Barcelona head coach Pep Guardiola has called on his side to show more of a killer instinct in front of goal. The Catalan giants secured three points against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday night after being made to sweat for long periods. Seydou Keita gave the visitors a first half lead but Barca had to wait until 16 minutes from time to earn a more comfortable advantage with goals from Xavi and Sergio Busquets. The victory at San Mames lifted Barca up to second spot and within a point of leader Valencia, but Guardiola is expecting more from his side.

Desire

"We must have more desire, more ambition to say 'I'm in front of goal and I have to score'," said Guardiola. "When we create chances around the six-yard box we must score them. He added: "In the second half we attacked well and, to be honest, I'm very happy because matches at San Mames are tough. But we must finish games off and we didn't do it. "In any case the team has looked in good touch and I must congratulate the players because they've had a great game."
Messi fitness
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi is expected to make Guardiola's squad for the trip to play Rubin Kazan in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. The Argentina forward has recovered from an ankle problem after missing their last two league outings. However, full back Adriano Correia picked up a thigh strain in the win at Bilbao and has been ruled out of the trip.

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