Napoli host Athletic Club in the first leg of the most high profile Champions League qualifier on Tuesday for a place in the group stages, and Partenopei coach has urged his team to be confident in their ability.
The match at the Stadio San Paolo was deemed to be very important by the Italian outfit’s coach Rafael Benitez as it would influence any future dealings with significant cash generated just by playing six group stage matches.
“The match will be a crucial and we will have to be calm and confident in ourselves because we know that it is possible to get through to the group stages,” he told the press.
“Qualifying for the Champions League will also be important for future transfers, but as of now, we have to only focus on the issues on the pitch.”
Midfielder Marek Hamsik was also present during the press conference and he seemed quite confident on the prospect of facing the Basque club.
“It will be a great game as it is important for and we will play without any tension or fear,” the Slovak said.
“The atmosphere in the group is very good and we are ready, despite some of the players returning late from the World Cup.” he added.
“In recent years we have done well in Europe and we want to continue like this and we are looking to do well in both legs of the qualifier, not only the first.
“We have to stick to our style of play without thinking that this tie will be the decisive one although it will be important and we will show them how we play at the San Paolo.
“They are a complete modern team with their style of aggressive pressing and they are all Basque and that is their strength.
“The crowd at Saint Paul can be our twelfth man as Athletic will come here to with a plan to defend and then try to win at the Nuevo San Mames.
“It is very important for us that our coach is Spanish and he will know all about Athletic.”
