Rafa Benitez warned Napoli face “a physically and tactically tough” match with Dinamo Moscow, but shrugged off criticism.

The first leg ended 3-1 at the Stadio San Paolo thanks to a Gonzalo Higuain hat-trick, though the Russians had scored in the opening two minutes.

“We will try to win here too, as that is our mentality in every game. We always play the same way,” assured Benitez in his Press conference.

Rafa Benitez warned Napoli face “a physically and tactically tough” match with Dinamo Moscow, but shrugged off criticism.

The first leg ended 3-1 at the Stadio San Paolo thanks to a Gonzalo Higuain hat-trick, though the Russians had scored in the opening two minutes.

“We will try to win here too, as that is our mentality in every game. We always play the same way,” assured Benitez in his Press conference.

“At times we can focus on the counter-attack or not, but the important thing is to win and secure qualification for the next round.

“Another goal would’ve been helpful, but 3-1 is the kind of result that means we have to work very hard and focus.

“My staff and I watched Dinamo Moscow to analyse their performances and we are well-prepared against a side of good players who can be dangerous after winning their group. Physically and tactically this is going to be a difficult match.”

The Partenopei have stuttered in Serie A recently, losing their last three away games and falling three points behind third place.

“It wasn’t easy to see the team make so many mistakes at the back, because we conceded goals. We must be more concentrated and show more intensity on the field.

“When a team loses and plays badly, the Coach is angry and we work to improve. When a team doesn’t win everyone makes mistakes.

“When I say there’s no fear or we stand shoulder-to-shoulder, I mean that I came here to help the club grow on the international stage. I think a side 15th in the UEFA ranking that gave its fans two trophies is on the right track.

“I am angry because we might not be consistent, but we are on the right track and I think the club and team are at a good level, if not better.

“There should be a more balanced judgment. We can’t be terrible in August, phenomenal in January and bad again now. You sum up a campaign at the end.”

President Aurelio De Laurentiis also hit back at the excessive criticism of Napoli’s recent performances.

“The President didn’t need to speak to the team much, as he just reminded them of their quality. The message was clear: stay united, do not listen to the criticism that emerges every day and have faith in yourselves.

“Work to avoid mistakes and all give 100 per cent. I work with the team every day, so I know how angry they get when things go wrong. We know what it means to them.

“I talk to the individuals and they all tell me that they want to do well to the end and prove themselves at the top level in three different tournaments.”

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