Rafa Benitez said Napoli “know full well we have to win” Sunday’s trip to Sassuolo” data-scaytid=”2″>Sassuolo, but remains “perplexed” by criticism.
Rafa Benitez said Napoli “know full well we have to win” Sunday’s trip to Sassuolo, but remains “perplexed” by criticism.
The Partenopei visit the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia tomorrow at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“We know that when a team has to win, the next game is always the most important. We know full well we have to win and we want to win in Reggio Emilia,” said the Coach in a Press conference.
Napoli are in crisis after picking up one point from three Serie A rounds, including Wednesday’s 3-3 draw with Palermo.
“I cancelled the team’s day off because when we need to improve on something, we have to use all the time at our disposal to work on it.
“We have to improve in defence and we are working on that. Are there psychological issues within the team? If you don’t win, it means something needs to be improved. We are lacking confidence and you can’t just buy that at the supermarket.
“The other day I said the team was in good shape and deserved more from the last few games. The results do take something away from your confidence and we’ll get that back if we start winning again. The key to emerging from this moment is hard work.”
Benitez has received harsh criticism from the media and fans, prompting some to suggest he is not suited to Serie A.
“I am perplexed by that, but I continue to do what needs to be done. If you win five games in a row here, what happens?
“We are concentrated on the match with Sassuolo, I have faith in the squad and am certain we’ll do better, because we did deserve more.
“In order to win we have to work on a plan and an idea, something I have done for many years. If we miss a penalty against Chievo and lose, that doesn’t help, but it remains the same path that helped us win the Coppa Italia and set a club record for points in one season.”
The mental fragility of the team has been a recurring theme, especially after throwing away a 2-0 lead for the 3-3 with Palermo.
“Clearly we need to be stronger mentally, but after Palermo pulled one back we had three clear scoring opportunities,” insisted Benitez.
“I haven’t heard anyone talk about the penalty with red card that could’ve changed the situation. I don’t complain about refereeing errors, but clearly the situation could’ve changed with that incident.
“We are all united as a team and must do our jobs, winning games so nobody has to act as a lightning rod.”
Benitez assured he is regularly in contact with President Aurelio De Laurentiis and for tomorrow’s line-up “anything could happen. Higuain could even play behind Duvan Zapata.”