Napoli coach Rafa Benitez has faith his side has what it takes to advance in its Champions League playoff tie against Athletic Club despite Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at the San Paolo.
The Azzurri now face the unenviable task of likely needing to defeat Athletic at the San Mames next Wednesday, a feat only accomplished in La Liga last year by Atletico Madrid and Espanyol, if they are to advance to the Champions League group stage.
The Spanish tactitian’s words rang a confident tone at the post-match press conference even as the former Chelsea and Liverpool man admitted some of his players underperformed.
“Some players didn’t play well and we’ll have to work tactically and physically to improve upon that, but we have players that can and will do better,” Benitez said.
Napoli’s starting 11 came under fire as Benitez employed seldom used players in both midfield and at left back in Walter Gargano and Miguel Britos despite having a bench of healthy alternatives at his disposal.
“Seeing their form on the training ground explains everything. Gargano has been one of the best players in training, has the quality and, at this stage, is in better physical condition than the others.
“We can always improve, but overall I’m satisfied even though we can do better.”
Native son Lorenzo Insigne was substituted off to whistles from the San Paolo crowd after a poor performance including fanning on a perfectly lobbed ball from Jorginho and reacted angrily when leaving the pitch.
“He feels the pressure and wants to show the fans his quality, but he has to control his emotions,” Benitez advised.
“Athletic Club? Their stadium is a very difficult one to play in, but we’ll have to work with the same intensity we showed in the second half and be more precise in front of goal. That will make the difference.”
