Christian Maggio believes Napoli are capable of achieving third, and should aim higher, but he calls on a greater togetherness and support.
The Vesuviani continue to come under scrutiny for inconsistent form this season, with last weekend’s 2-2 draw at home to Empoli the latest result to ask questions of the squad.
Veteran Maggio admits that the group has trouble in handling smaller teams, but has assured that they are working on a solution.
Christian Maggio believes Napoli are capable of achieving third, and should aim higher, but he calls on a greater togetherness and support.
The Vesuviani continue to come under scrutiny for inconsistent form this season, with last weekend’s 2-2 draw at home to Empoli the latest result to ask questions of the squad.
Veteran Maggio admits that the group has trouble in handling smaller teams, but has assured that they are working on a solution.
“We've had this problem for a while, the big teams play openly while sometimes we have trouble with teams that think only about defending themselves,” the full-back considered in a Press conference today.
“We create a lot of chances even though often we take home very little.
“It's hard to find the reasons behind this difference in performance with our direct opponents, we must work on this to improve.
“It is said that Napoli lack a leader, but I think we all are. We can get out of these difficult situations together, as a group.
“It will take hard work. We try and improve ourselves every day, the effort is always there, on a daily level.
“Only a few players have changed, we can have a repeat of the good season we lived last year.
“We have the chance to reach third place but I always hope for something more, we have that possibility.”
Benitez was reported as especially angry after the draw against Empoli, and Maggio revealed that he shared the disappointment.
“We realise after a match the mistakes that we make and the chances that we throw away.
“Looking at the videos we gain a closer understanding of our errors, but we must stick together especially in moments like these.
“Tomorrow we want to win, it will be essential to close our group in first place and to prepare the game against Milan.”
Maggio also said that Marek Hamsik – currently in analysis for his poor form – has the support of his team.
“We see him working at the utmost, perhaps he's been too loaded with responsibility and he can't perform at his usual levels.
“But he has everyone's support and he will come out of it.
“The supporters are essential for us, I'm sorry to see that they go missing when things don't go well. It's never a pleasure to see the number of fans dwindle.
“I'd like to ask everyone to stay close to us because we need them.
“But it all depends on the results, if we do well, then people will come. It is ourselves, the players, who must improve.
“I'm sure that as we get our condition back, the stadium will fill itself up again.”
Maggio has been at Napoli longer than most of his teammates, and he does not consider the prospect of leaving.
“Naples is a second home for me, I've been here for seven years and if I never left there has to be a reason.
“I hope to keep contributing for many years still.”
Maggio was talking ahead of Napoli’s closing Europa League group stage game at home to Slovan Bratislava tomorrow.