Napoli director Riccardo Bigon assures Rafa Benitez agreed with the training retreat ahead of tonight’s Wolfsburg clash.

The first leg of the Europa League quarter-final kicks off in Germany at 20.05 UK time (19.05 GMT), click here to join in our LIVEBLOG.

“The side never lost its team spirit, remaining united, professional and showing how much it cared about this shirt,” Bigon told Mediaset.

Napoli director Riccardo Bigon assures Rafa Benitez agreed with the training retreat ahead of tonight’s Wolfsburg clash.

The first leg of the Europa League quarter-final kicks off in Germany at 20.05 UK time (19.05 GMT), click here to join in our LIVEBLOG.

“The side never lost its team spirit, remaining united, professional and showing how much it cared about this shirt,” Bigon told Mediaset.

“Napoli certainly deserved more against Lazio, Roma and Atalanta, but in agreement with the Coach we opted for a training retreat.

“We took this decision with the Coach, as it was the best thing to do for Napoli and the city. The lads responded wonderfully. I had no doubts they would, as I’ve been here for six years and know how professional they are.”

Bigon was asked whether Benitez’s imminent departure is affecting the team.

“A Coach does his work and can only do well for the club regardless of the situation. He is very concentrated on tonight’s game and the next match with Cagliari.”

Wolfsburg already knocked Inter out of the Europa League in the Round of 16 and have Kevin de Bruyne in their ranks.

“De Bruyne and Marek Hamsik are players who can make the most of spaces between the lines, but they are also important off the ball.

“Is this match an early Final? There’s no point saying that, as it’s a quarter-final, albeit between two very high level teams.

“There are many Italians here tonight, the children of immigrants in Germany, and it’s great to have them cheering us on.”

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