Rafael Benitez has reiterated his faith in his current squad at Napoli as they prepare for a challenging trip to play Young Boys in Switzerland.
Napoli have yet to impress this season and Benitez has found himself under pressure for failing to progress through the Champions League play-offs and falling behind Juventus early in Serie A. The Partenopei, Benitez insists however, are on the right path to improve.
“So far we have done many good things,” Benitez told the media in his pre match press conference.
“However, we have had some poor matches and looking at the statistics, we must improve but I am convinced we are on the right road,” he said.
Benitez explained that their second-half performance against Inter during Sunday’s 2-2 draw at the San Siro is of the level he demands, and he expects for the players to reach it more consistently from now on.
“We are working to do what we did against Inter for the entire 90 minutes, that is my aim. I believe that we will achieve this soon with the way we are playing,” he continued.
“If a player knows his tasks and knows what he must always do for the team, it will help create less problems.
“In every match and every competition Napoli participate in, we strive to give our maximum,” he said.
Regarding injuries, Benitez confirmed that Walter Gargano, Miguel Britos and Juan Zuniga will all be missing but refused to be drawn on who will play and who will not.
He also refused to be drawn on the issue of Gonzalo Higuain’s lack of goalscoring form too, stating that he only wished to talk about the team and not the individual.
Napoli will face Young Boys on a synthetic pitch on Thursday night and Benitez believes it will give the home team an advantage, but believes his side can overcome the challenge and show their quality.
“Young Boys will be at an advantage but we must focus and concentrate on the three points that will help us qualify,” Benitez said.
A win for Napoli on Thursday night will put them on the maximum of nine points from three games in Group I and in a commanding position for qualification through to the knock-out phase.
