Rafa Benitez insists Napoli get more criticism in the media ahead of their clash with Empoli and drops a Manolo Gabbiadini hint.
It kicks off at the Stadio San Paolo on Sunday at 11.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
First up the Coach was asked about Gonzalo Higuain, as there are rumours he could be rested due to a muscular problem.
Rafa Benitez insists Napoli get more criticism in the media ahead of their clash with Empoli and drops a Manolo Gabbiadini hint.
It kicks off at the Stadio San Paolo on Sunday at 11.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
First up the Coach was asked about Gonzalo Higuain, as there are rumours he could be rested due to a muscular problem.
“Higuain is available, but I don’t know if he will start. He trained and is ok, anyway,” replied Benitez in a Press conference.
The Partenopei were criticised for their recent form, including two 3-3 draws against Palermo and Cagliari, plus a last-gasp 1-1 away to Sampdoria.
“We drew with Samp, but for me it was positive. I must try to see the glass half-full. I have respect for Empoli and I admire their attitude to football. Empoli are different to Cagliari, as they are tactically very organised. Cagliari are a side who attack only, whereas Empoli can defend well too.
“Today we studied their set piece tactics. There are many blocks in the area, but those are fouls and the rules ought to change.
“We need more concentration at the back and enact preventative marking when we attack. I see a balanced Napoli, but there are too many individual errors. Remember the Cagliari game: we lack consistency, especially when we take the lead. It’s an issue of maturity and over the week we tried to work on what to do when in a leading situation.
“I speak to the players on how to control a game, but it doesn’t always go well. That is what makes football spectacular.”
However, Benitez insists Napoli were treated differently to other big clubs when dropping points this season.
“Last time I was angry at the refereeing error, a mistake that could’ve changed the game. I am not accustomed to talking about these incidents, but I will tell you we’re missing points because of them.
“I don’t want to seek an alibi, but if these errors are made against different teams, the media talks about them more. We had two clear penalties denied against Samp, but the only talk was about the team and not those errors.”
Benitez was also asked about the on-going reports that a deal has been struck for Sampdoria striker Gabbiadini in January.
“The President understood that with Insigne’s injury we have a few problems and I see he is very active on the market. We also speak regularly with Bigon and will certainly do something. Gabbiadini? I’m sorry I didn’t hear the question… next…
“I arrived at Chelsea and made a €5m profit on the transfer market. At Liverpool I saw other clubs spending more, as did Valencia. The same is true at Napoli, as revenue is important and there are more powerful clubs.
“We can win something, but it is not easy, so we must remain united and fans are wrong if they express dissatisfaction.
“With this club and this team we can grow. Having a player on the bench who earns €3m per season is different to having someone who earns €1m.
“I am not coming here from Real Madrid and expecting millions. Just look at my Liverpool team that won the Champions League. I set a points record with Liverpool, but we finished third. Last season Napoli set a club record of 78 points, but someone else did better.
“The work done at Napoli over 10 years has been fantastic, but now to win we need another step forward. At Liverpool they gave me £17m to buy players. What do you think? How many strong players can you get for that? Maybe one. Football changes because teams are stronger.”