Rafa Benitez insisted Napoli’s performance was “spectacular” against Porto and he is “very, very satisfied.”
The Partenopei crashed out of the Europa League 3-2 on aggregate after tonight’s 2-2 home draw, having wasted numerous scoring opportunities.
Rafa Benitez insisted Napoli’s performance was “spectacular” against Porto and he is “very, very satisfied.”
The Partenopei crashed out of the Europa League 3-2 on aggregate after tonight’s 2-2 home draw, having wasted numerous scoring opportunities.
“I think the team played a spectacular game with chances, control and intensity against a side that played with a high defence and we had the opportunities to make the difference,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“We should’ve finished our chances with more precision and determination. We didn’t and that’s where the game went wrong.
“Porto had a couple of chances in the first leg, but tonight it was just one-way traffic.”
Benitez left Marek Hamsik and Jose Callejon on the bench this evening, while Goran Pandev ended his goal drought.
“I always said we have to rotate the squad because we had three tournaments and I saw tonight Pandev’s quality. I repeat, it was a spectacular performance from everyone.”
The tactician was irritated when asked if ‘only’ third place in Serie A and the Coppa Italia Final was enough considering the quality of the squad.
“When we talk about our 12 Champions League points, the performances in the Europa League, third place in Serie A and reaching the Coppa Italia Final with a new Coach and many new players, I don’t see why anyone should say ‘only’ with that.
“We could play at Bayern Munich’s level, but we’d need to buy another 20 players. I think this is our 42nd game of the season.
“I am a little surprised at the reaction here, as I thought it was a spectacular performance and now people are focusing only on the result. As a Coach I need to look at everything we’ve done so far in every competition and I am very, very satisfied.
“As a Coach I am proud of the team and they are having a very good campaign.”
Juventus” data-scaytid=”23″>Juventus are now the only remaining Italian side in Europe and the Europa League Final will be in Turin.
“The best team should win. Obviously Juve are very strong, but so is everyone at this stage.”