Napoli Coach Rafa Benitez is ‘relaxed’ ahead of the game against Trabzonspor, and discusses the ‘problem’ with Ezequiel Lavezzi's return.
The Azzurri are emerging from a 3-1 defeat against Palermo that saw them miss out on an opportunity to close the gap on second-placed Roma in Serie A.
Even so, their Spanish Coach says tomorrow's Europa League Round of 32 first leg in Turkey does not worry them.
Napoli Coach Rafa Benitez is ‘relaxed’ ahead of the game against Trabzonspor, and discusses the ‘problem’ with Ezequiel Lavezzi's return.
The Azzurri are emerging from a 3-1 defeat against Palermo that saw them miss out on an opportunity to close the gap on second-placed Roma in Serie A.
Even so, their Spanish Coach says tomorrow's Europa League Round of 32 first leg in Turkey does not worry them.
“In terms of our performances I'm satisfied, because my players work hard every day and [Gokhan] Inler is among those who are always prepared to do their part,” Benitez considered, sat alongside the midfielder in today's Press conference.
“I'm relaxed, the team is doing great. On the plane here I compared some medical tests and the latest one happened to yield the best results.
“We're on the right path, our mentality and our energy are spot on to achieve a positive result.
“I was very angry on Saturday, but six consecutive victories should not be forgotten because we conceded three goals.
“We made some defensive errors and we paid for them, but now I'm focussed on improving for tomorrow.”
Benitez was also asked about Paris Saint-German striker Ezequiel Lavezzi, who continues to be linked with a possible return to Napoli.
“The problem is that Lavezzi wouldn't make our European squad, because he is not registered to play for us tomorrow!
“You know that he's a good player, but talking about the market now is premature.
“Napoli is in a moment of growth and everybody can see that from the outside too, regardless of the Lavezzi's opening.
“But we have a game tomorrow and we're concentrated on Trabzonspor.
“Against Slovan [Bratislava] I played [goalkeeper Mariano] Andujar and tomorrow he will playing again, because he needs to be shown trust over a few more games.
“The future of a goalkeeper depends on his performance on the pitch, but I trust all three of mine.
“There will be a rotation for them, but if both Andujar and Rafael [Cabral] play well, then that will be a delightful dilemma for me to face.
“[Gonzalo] Higuain has some good chances of being fielded because he is suspended in the League.”