Rafa Benitez warns the change of Coach makes Porto “dangerous” Europa League opponents for Napoli.
The first leg of the Round of 16 kicks off in Oporto on Thursday at 18.00 GMT.
Surprisingly, Porto sacked Coach Paulo Fonseca on March 5 after going four games without a win in all tournaments, promoting B-team manager Luis Castro for the rest of the season.
Rafa Benitez warns the change of Coach makes Porto “dangerous” Europa League opponents for Napoli.
The first leg of the Round of 16 kicks off in Oporto on Thursday at 18.00 GMT.
Surprisingly, Porto sacked Coach Paulo Fonseca on March 5 after going four games without a win in all tournaments, promoting B-team manager Luis Castro for the rest of the season.
“We are facing a top level side and the change of management is always dangerous, as it will certainly influence the performance,” said Benitez in his Press conference.
“Hopefully the new man won’t do as well as he did on Sunday, as they won their League game 4-1.
“Porto are the favourites to win this first leg, because they are on home turf. This club has won a great deal in its history and has few weak points.
“Hopefully we can score a few goals that can help us in the second leg. The game at the San Paolo will be the decisive one in the tie.
“I want to win here too and scoring will be crucial, but the second leg is the one that will make the difference.
“We have faith in ourselves, but also know that Porto are a Champions League level team. They have some very good individuals and we must always face every Europa League game at 100 per cent concentration.”
Benitez defended his use of squad rotation, as Napoli have also reached the Coppa Italia Final.
“It is fundamental and must be done. I have faith in my players and I’m convinced they will do well.”
The only time these sides have met competitively was in the 1974-75 UEFA Cup second round, when Napoli won both legs 1-0.