Napoli captain Marek Hamsik believes the current Partenopei side are the most competitive he has ever been a part of.
The Slovakian international was speaking ahead of the Vesuviani’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk on Thursday.
Hamsik praised Coach Rafael Benitez and played down talk of Napoli being favourites to win the tournament despite claiming the group were the best he’d played with.
Napoli captain Marek Hamsik believes the current Partenopei side are the most competitive he has ever been a part of.
The Slovakian international was speaking ahead of the Vesuviani’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk on Thursday.
Hamsik praised Coach Rafael Benitez and played down talk of Napoli being favourites to win the tournament despite claiming the group were the best he’d played with.
“We’ve always had gifted players, but the current side may be the most competitive I’ve played with,” he told UEFA’s official website.
“We have a squad that is capable of challenging in any competition, led by a Coach who has won a host of European trophies. Also, we have played together regularly at this level, which helps.
“Benitez makes himself heard and communicates well with his staff. He's an experienced Coach at this level, who will certainly prepare us well to reach our target.
“We all want to win the trophy – the kit men, club doctors, players – right up to the Coach. In football you want to win.
“I don't think we are favourites. Every match is different, but we are happy that we got the right result in that tie against Wolfsburg.
“We are pleased to have reached the semi-finals, but we can't be satisfied – we want to get to the final.
“We've satisfied our fans by lifting trophies in Italy. However, winning this competition, if we progress, would be extraordinary and something Naples would always remember.”
Hamsik was also full of praise for star striker Gonzalo Higuain and the support of the Napoli faithful.
“Gonzalo is very special – just look at the goals he's scored in the last two seasons. Higuain is a great striker, he will help us in our mission.
“The fans are our 12th man and have always backed the team. Their support helps us to be successful. I can't even begin to imagine their reaction [if we won] – it would be a big party.”