Napoli Coach Rafa Benitez has hinted that the ball is in Manchester United’s court over negotiations for Marouane Fellaini.
The Vesuviani are seen as in continued talks with the Red Devils over a proposed initial loan move for the 26-year-old midfielder.
Napoli Coach Rafa Benitez has hinted that the ball is in Manchester United’s court over negotiations for Marouane Fellaini.
The Vesuviani are seen as in continued talks with the Red Devils over a proposed initial loan move for the 26-year-old midfielder.
Reports indicate that there is currently a gap in economic terms and when pressed on the issue, Benitez hinted that it is the Premier League side responsible for the move’s success or not.
“We cannot discuss the market, we have so many players being named in the newspapers. I work with what I have. Everyone is working to improve in condition and in play,” began Benitez to reporters today.
“Fellaini is a Manchester United player, it does not depend on us, but it depends on them…
“He is a great player, but he is at another team. It appears he is waiting for Van Gaal. We will have to wait.
“Is he the right player? We have players that work very well, whilst it also depends on who leaves. It is not easy to name names.
“What features in a midfielder am I after? Players who have the mindset to win every game, then we can start to talk about the technical quality.
“With our same mentality, but with a little more quality…”
It was put to the Coach that someone like Fellaini would facilitate a 4-1-4-1 formation, which was seen in the second half of the weekend win over PAOK Salonika.
“It depends on the players that we have, what we can take into consideration. The 4-3-3 can become a 4-1-4-1, the 4-2-3-1 can be played with three strikers.
“I did not like very much the second half [against PAOK], we had some difficulties in controlling the game, but we have tried it recently…”
Benitez was talking ahead of Napoli’s friendly in Geneva tomorrow against Barcelona. Speculation at the start of the summer strongly linked Javier Mascherano to the Vesuviani.
“Is that door completely closed? Yes, it is closed because with I have spoken to Javier and to his agent, as our friendship allowed for this situation.
“But, Luis Enrique has him in consideration and I have realised that a move is not possible.
“I knew from the beginning that it was hard, it was not a problem. I have coached Luis Enrique, I have a good relationship with him…”
Benitez was asked for comment on the transfer market so far, where it leaves Napoli in comparison to their title rivals.
“I have seen you doing report cards on the transfer market a month before it has ended, but it makes no sense to write so much just to write.
“The market counts for nothing if you do not work. If we buy a player who is fundamental and he becomes injured, what do we do? We work with what we have. We can look for the right player, but we can do so much already.
“There is still a month to go, we are in a hurry because we face two big games, but I will try to push the President and see where we go from there…”