Rafa Benitez has dismissed criticism of his Napoli side’s defence, insisting he’d ‘rather win 3-2 than 1-0’.
The Partenopei had to come back from two goals down at the weekend to salvage a 2-2 draw with promoted side Empoli, and have conceded 18 goals in 14 Serie A games.
“Do we need a new tactic in defence?” Benitez considered in his Press conference ahead of the Europa League match with Slovan Bratislava.
Rafa Benitez has dismissed criticism of his Napoli side’s defence, insisting he’d ‘rather win 3-2 than 1-0’.
The Partenopei had to come back from two goals down at the weekend to salvage a 2-2 draw with promoted side Empoli, and have conceded 18 goals in 14 Serie A games.
“Do we need a new tactic in defence?” Benitez considered in his Press conference ahead of the Europa League match with Slovan Bratislava.
“I listen to my staff and players after every game, against Empoli we conceded a goal on the break after giving the ball away.
“Last year the team was more unbalanced, this year we’re controlling games 100 per cent.
“The only time we’ve struggled was in the first half against Inter [a 2-2 draw], and against Sampdoria [a 1-1 draw] Higuain had a lot of chances to score.
“Last year Juve came to the San Paolo and played defensively, and we were able to dominate the game and win.
“We broke so many records last year, this year we’ve had our difficulties, but we’re confident, there’s a lot of potential for growth in this team.
“If [Marek] Hamsik had scored against Empoli we wouldn’t be having this conversation, we lacked the professionalism to go on and win the game.
“I’d rather win 3-2 than 1-0.”
Despite singling out Hamsik, Benitez backed the attacker as he revealed he will play tonight when his former club visit San Paolo.
“He is committed, but he’s still trying to get back to being the player we all know he can be.
“He’s lacking a bit of confidence, but I want to help him rediscover it because he’s an important player for us.
“Tomorrow the team will be Hamsik and 10 others. Some Coaches leave players on the bench when they’re going through a difficult time – I prefer to trust them.”
Hamsik has been named in Napoli’s squad for the visit of the Slovakians, with 20 players being called by the Spanish Coach.
Napoli squad to face Slovan Bratislava: Rafael, Andujar, Contini, Maggio, Mesto, Henrique, Ghoulam, Britos, Koulibaly, Albiol, Jorginho, David Lopez, Inler, Gargano, Mertens, De Guzman, Hamsik, Callejon, Duvan, Higuain