Rafa Benitez slammed President Aurelio De Laurentiis for the Napoli training retreat that “only annoyed the players.”
The Coach had until now been quiet on the President’s decision to throw the squad into a training retreat after their Coppa Italia semi-final defeat to Lazio.
That was finally terminated on Tuesday following an appeal from captain Christian Maggio in a phone call to ADL.
Rafa Benitez slammed President Aurelio De Laurentiis for the Napoli training retreat that “only annoyed the players.”
The Coach had until now been quiet on the President’s decision to throw the squad into a training retreat after their Coppa Italia semi-final defeat to Lazio.
That was finally terminated on Tuesday following an appeal from captain Christian Maggio in a phone call to ADL.
Benitez broke his silence during tonight’s Press conference after the 2-2 draw with Wolfsburg booked their spot in the Europa League semi-final.
“We already proved last year that we can win without a training retreat. This is something people used in 1970.
“I am not against a training retreat per se, but I am against a punitive training retreat that has no effect other than to annoy the players.”
Benitez’s contract with Napoli expires in June and his future remains in doubt. He was asked if his rapport with President De Laurentiis has changed.
“I think he’ll be happy with the qualification. Next week if he shows me the business plan and it is positive, then we can continue together. Otherwise we’ll work and look at other possibilities.
“I have always said that what Aurelio has done here is fantastic. Now we have reached a point where it is difficult to take that extra step up, but it’s important for the fans to see their team do well in Europe.
“The supporters want to win titles and play in the Champions League. We’re still in the running for a top three finish in Serie A and now must concentrate on the game with Sampdoria.”