Rafa Benitez said he’s “too young” to become Coach of Spain right now and is looking forward to Napoli facing Inter.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“When Roberto Mancini was at Manchester City, I lost against him,” Benitez told Radio Kiss Kiss.
Rafa Benitez said he’s “too young” to become Coach of Spain right now and is looking forward to Napoli facing Inter.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“When Roberto Mancini was at Manchester City, I lost against him,” Benitez told Radio Kiss Kiss.
“If we are all united, then the San Paolo crowd can make the difference tomorrow. Inter were strong, but have become even stronger after the January transfer window. The side looks more balanced, although they spent a lot of money to achieve it.
“We played well in the Coppa Italia meeting with Inter. I also faced Mancini in the Champions League, so I know Inter and hope to see the same outcome as the Coppa game.”
Juan Camilo Zuniga returns to the squad after five months out with a knee injury, but Walter Gargano, Christian Maggio and Miguel Angel Britos miss out.
The focus is all on Manolo Gabbiadini, but it’s an attitude from fans and media that Benitez does not appreciate.
“Before everyone asked why I didn’t start Dries Mertens, then Lorenzo Insigne, then Jose Callejon. Now it’s all about Gabbiadini.
“I don’t like talking about individuals, but fatigue and competition for places all play a part in my selection process. We have to create competition between teammates and ensure everybody is ready to come on when needed.
“I am also talking about you journalists, you fans, as you must know for me competition between my players is very important.”
Benitez is still refusing to discuss his future beyond this summer, but was asked whether he’d like to become Coach of Spain in 2016.
“Aside from thinking I’m too young for this, I like being a Coach and training my team every day. In the national team you get to work with them for a week per month. We’ll see going forward, but never say never…”