Rafa Benitez says Napoli ‘remain in my heart’, they can go ‘all the way’ under Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte left behind an ‘excellent base’ at Chelsea.
Benitez led Napoli to the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa between 2013 and 2015, which remain the Partenopei’s last pieces of silverware, while his successor Maurizio Sarri suffered his first Premier League defeat as Chelsea boss at the weekend.
Rafa Benitez says Napoli ‘remain in my heart’, they can go ‘all the way’ under Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte left behind an ‘excellent base’ at Chelsea.
Benitez led Napoli to the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa between 2013 and 2015, which remain the Partenopei’s last pieces of silverware, while his successor Maurizio Sarri suffered his first Premier League defeat as Chelsea boss at the weekend.
“I had two beautiful years at Napoli. They remain in my heart,” the Newcastle United manager told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“We won two trophies, but above all a group of great players was born. Why did I leave? President De Laurentiis offered me a multi-year contract, but my two daughters were small and my family wanted to return to England or Spain.
“Still, the fact remains that Napoli are unique. I always try to get myself stuck into the places I work, and I was accompanied by some special guys on my journey.
“Fabio Pecchia was an excellent assistant, while Riccardo Bigon gave me Koulibaly, Ghoulam and Mertens.
“Mazzarri did a good job and the team were working well, but the arrival of players like Albiol, Callejon and Mertens helped the youngsters we had to step up a level.
“Reina also deserves a separate mention for his contribution on the field and in the dressing room.
“Higuain? It was very easy to convince him. We’d already signed some top foreign talent and Gonzalo was immediately sold. I don’t think he ever regretted coming.
“Koulibaly? He’s one of the best defenders in the world. He’s already at the level of the highest rated in the Premier League and he can still improve.
“For me, a central defender gives the best of himself between the ages of 28 and 32. Insigne has learned a lot over time.
“Even back then he stood out for his pace, technical skill and physical endurance. On top of that, he’s a good lad. He grew up like Jorginho did.
“Ancelotti’s Napoli can go all the way on all fronts. I think the same way as him and Allegri. We recently spoke about how important it is to win.
“I have a great rapport with Carlo, but he doesn’t like talking about Istanbul, just as I don’t about Athens…
“They are still open wounds for both of us, so it’s better to think of something else. Sarri hasn’t won anything yet? It’s all about details.
“His Chelsea team are doing well, showing the beauty of his football: Sarri deserves great credit, but he was also left an excellent base by Conte.
“Conte’s Chelsea played more mechanical football but played well. They dribble more under Sarri and have more fun.”