Napoli boss Rafa Benitez admits that his team did well in their 2-0 victory against Sassuolo on Sunday, but believes that they can still make further improvements.
The Partenopei secured their 2-0 away win over the Neroverdi with goals from Blerim Dzemaili and Lorenzo Insigne and the tactician is satisfied with his squad’s quality on the pitch despite them having to play more than one match in the past week.
Benitez spoke to Sky Sport Italia on Sunday about some of his players’ performances, while also commenting on Napoli’s upcoming Europa League match against Swansea City on February 20.
“We’ve played two games in the past week with great intensity,” said the 53-year-old.
“We had about five or more clear chances on goal, so I have to be satisfied. Napoli can always improve, but we did well.
“Physically, the team is at high levels, but today there were several players who did not play for a long time.
“[Marek] Hamsik has changed position? He’s playing well, nothing has changed. He’s in better condition and is showing higher quality, but we’re playing the same way.
“[Gonzalo] Higuain’s condition? Nothing we can say for now. We’ ll see how he feels tomorrow. He’s suffered a blow to the back.
“The team defended better because it remained close? Yes, we’ve been working on this. [Raul] Albiol and [Federico] Fernandez are the key to this.
“They have to talk to the midfielders and fullbacks. If we stay close and tightened, we defend better.
“My arguments with Inter? A Spanish journalist asked me a question and I told the truth. [Piero] Ausilio told me I was right, now he says it’s not true. It’s okay, though.
“The weight of the Europa League? The match against Swansea will be difficult. They play good football and it won’t be easy to hold possession.
“They have good dribbling and speed, so we have to play an important game. Let’s see if we can move forward, changing players and keeping the level high.
“Is Henrique more of a midfielder or defender? He’s more of a defensive player, but we need balance in the midfield and he can help with that because he has quality and pace.
“[Diego] Maradona? He’s a myth. I have a good relationship with him. I know that he’d like to coach Napoli, but if we win then there will be space after I leave,” Benitez joked.
