Napoli Coach Rafa Benitez says his side didn’t need the recent ritiro to improve their fortunes.
President Aurelio De Laurentiis insisted the players remain at the training ground, in what was essentially a training camp in a bid to improve the side’s form.
An agreement was reached to end the ritiro yesterday, but the former Liverpool manager believes it was needless in the first place.
Napoli Coach Rafa Benitez says his side didn’t need the recent ritiro to improve their fortunes.
President Aurelio De Laurentiis insisted the players remain at the training ground, in what was essentially a training camp in a bid to improve the side’s form.
An agreement was reached to end the ritiro yesterday, but the former Liverpool manager believes it was needless in the first place.
“My opinion has not changed, this team did well last year without a ritiro, and it can do it now,” Benitez said in his Press conference ahead of the Europe League tie with Wolfsburg.
“Yesterday Barcelona came onto the pitch at 19.15 and got to the semi-final of the Champions League.
“Cagliari went into ritiro, and we saw what happened to them. We’ve had a ritiro and done well, but that doesn’t mean that Roma and Lazio didn’t win because they haven’t gone into ritiro.
“It’s not a harmful thing, but I think that for a team playing 60 matches per season, the players must have the opportunity to see their families.
“The players must have a clear head. I think the Napoli fans should thank [director] Riccardo Bigon, because he did an outstanding job yesterday to resolve the situation.”
Benitez also discussed his future, hinting that he could stay if Napoli make investment in the squad.
“Winning tomorrow is crucial to give ourselves the opportunity of reaching the final and possibly winning the Europa League.
“The team is physically strong, and we can also do well in the League. Against Lazio in the Coppa Italia we 100 per cent deserved to win, but it didn’t happen.
“Napoli belongs to the city, and to the fans. If this city sees the team reach the final it will be a source of pride.
“Then, if the club plans to grow, I will talk with my family and assess the possibility of staying.”