Rafa Benitez insists his Napoli team will take the Europa League seriously, but maintains the Vesuviani must use their whole squad.
Napoli were eliminated from the Champions League after a play-off defeat to Athletic Bilbao, but the former Liverpool tactician doesn’t see the Europa League as a consolation prize.
“I was slaughtered when I said being knocked out the Champions League wasn’t a disaster,” Benitez reminded reporters ahead of a Europa League game with Young Boys.
Rafa Benitez insists his Napoli team will take the Europa League seriously, but maintains the Vesuviani must use their whole squad.
Napoli were eliminated from the Champions League after a play-off defeat to Athletic Bilbao, but the former Liverpool tactician doesn’t see the Europa League as a consolation prize.
“I was slaughtered when I said being knocked out the Champions League wasn’t a disaster,” Benitez reminded reporters ahead of a Europa League game with Young Boys.
“We have to manage our emotions. We know we’re the stronger team but we have to prove it on the pitch.
“If we don’t win there will be other opportunities to go through, but I’m convinced Napoli will go through.
“I’m convinced we can do well using the whole squad. If I wasn’t convinced of that I wouldn’t make changes.
“I look at the game in Bern [a 2-0 defeat], and we could have scored in the first half. There are various different opinions on Insigne and Mertens, but they’re both top class.
“We have enough quality to deal with all of our commitments this season.
“It will be a tough game [tomorrow]. Young Boys are capable of playing good football.
“I think it’s a chance for them to show off on a big stage, the Swiss will give 100 per cent.”