Coach Rafa Benitez admits Napoli don't have the 'economic resources' of Juventus and Roma, but says they can still reach 'important results'.
The Partenopei were expected to compete against Serie A's two giants for the Scudetto this season, but the current 20-point gap to the first-placed Bianconeri has forced Benitez into a sobering reflection.
“Certainly Juventus and Roma have superior economic resources compared to us, and they're not alone in this,” he admitted to the Spanish radio show El Partido de las 12.
Coach Rafa Benitez admits Napoli don't have the 'economic resources' of Juventus and Roma, but says they can still reach 'important results'.
The Partenopei were expected to compete against Serie A's two giants for the Scudetto this season, but the current 20-point gap to the first-placed Bianconeri has forced Benitez into a sobering reflection.
“Certainly Juventus and Roma have superior economic resources compared to us, and they're not alone in this,” he admitted to the Spanish radio show El Partido de las 12.
“In a certain sense, Napoli recalls my Valencia or the current Atletico Madrid.
“But sometimes teams with lesser financial leverage can reach important results against more powerful opponents, thanks to unity, teamwork and attitude. This too is the beauty of football.”
The 54-year-old also refused to discuss any rumours of his future, claiming that Napoli's present moment was far too important to allow for distractions.
“In April we're scheduled for no less than eight games, and they're all very important, even crucial.
“And then another eight or nine in May. We're still competing in three different tournaments and this club has the opportunity to reach great objectives.
“We are at a very important juncture for Napoli and I have to stay focused and think only of the team, regardless of what may happen to me in the future.
“That's why I'm only talking about my current club. I have to focus on the games we're playing.”
Finally, the Spaniard made a comment on the red card he picked up in Napoli's last game against Atalanta.
“In my whole career, in 670 games, I was never even booked. I stepped on to the pitch as I thought the referee had blown the whistle for the end of the match, but it was just a foul. The red card was absolutely incomprehensible and totally disproportionate.”