Rafa Benitez admits he is ‘waiting’ for Napoli and believes Manchester City’s defensive phase is unconvincing although they have more experience than Inter in the Champions League Final.
The Spanish tactician is among the many personalities in Istanbul for the Champions League Final between his former club Inter and Manchester City.
Benitez is also a candidate for the Napoli job with President Aurelio De Laurentiis still searching for Luciano Spalletti’s replacement.
“I am waiting, I still want to win,” Benitez told Sky when asked about his potential return to Napoli.
“I don’t want to be in the middle of the table. Somebody else must make the decision, but I am prepared. I watch and analyse everything, I’ve always done it and want to continue until the end of my days.”
Benitez already coached Napoli from 2013 until 2015 and is on good terms with ADL.
He is an even more credible candidate now that Fiorentina President Rocco Commisso confirmed Vincenzo Italiano would remain at the Stadio Franchi next season. Italiano was also on Napoli’s agenda.
Benitez discussed the Champions League Final in the second part of the interview: “By watching the Premier League, particularly Arsenal and City, I knew City would win. Guardiola has experience and Inter don’t. This is an advantage alongside the quality of the team.
“Tactically, Man City’s defensive phase with five centre-backs leaves me with some doubts,” argued Benitez.
“They attack well, but if Inter know how to defend, they can win it. They must resist until the final 20 minutes and then they can try. They must try to win the game and use their strengths.”
Benitez replaced José Mourinho at Inter in 2010 but was sacked after just six months at the club, days after winning the Club’s World Cup with the Nerazzurri.