Former Napoli player Valon Behrami criticises Rafa Benitez's tenure: “Walter Mazzarri was the better Coach.”
The 30-year-old donned the Partenopei colours between 2012 and 2014, but he never broke his connection to his old group.
“I've been following the team closely because I'm still fond of my teammates and the people,” he said, in an extensive interview with Tuttomercatoweb.
Former Napoli player Valon Behrami criticises Rafa Benitez's tenure: “Walter Mazzarri was the better Coach.”
The 30-year-old donned the Partenopei colours between 2012 and 2014, but he never broke his connection to his old group.
“I've been following the team closely because I'm still fond of my teammates and the people,” he said, in an extensive interview with Tuttomercatoweb.
“It's been a strange season, with some odd defeats. I think the problem was one of character, as well as the way certain games were prepared.
“There are games against small teams that look simple on paper but aren't.”
The Swiss midfielder was then asked for a comparison between Mazzarri's style and that of Benitez.
“With Mazzarri the team had greater character, because that's what he expected from us.
“Sometimes he said things in his Press conferences that angered others, but it was only to protect us.
“He led us to the maximum possible result at the time, which was second place.
“Benitez introduced another mentality, with less emphasis on character.
“He wanted a more integrated approach to football, in which everyone did what he wanted them to.
“It was somewhat surprising, and from a personal view I felt that my development was going backwards and I was no longer as central to the team.
“For me, there was a huge difference between the two. Mazzarri was the better Coach for me and for Napoli.”
Mazzarri went on to Coach Inter, where his season took such a difficult turn that he ended up being sacked in November 2014 for the first time in his career.
“Mazzarri needs 5-6 players who trust him blindly and help him pull the team through.
“In spite of everything, I think he did well with his ideas. He's the type of trainer who wants the team to be ready right away.
“It's hard to say how things would have gone had he stayed past the winter transfer window.
“In all honesty, I don't know why I didn't end up at Inter. I'd have been delighted to work with Mazzarri again.”
Finally, Behrami was asked which Coach would make for the best fit on Napoli's bench next year.
“I'd go for [Luciano] Spalletti. Many players came because Benitez did and require that type of big name.
“But De Laurentiis always knows what he's doing, he's only waiting for the right moment.”