Marek Hamsik has spoken of his frustration at life under Rafa Benitez and hinted he may have left the Serie A club without a change of coach.
The attacking midfielder found himself a victim of Benitez’s rotation system on occasion and felt his high standard of performance should instead have led to a guaranteed starting place.
“We went out of the Europa League against Dnipro, reached the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia and then lost out on access to the Champions League preliminary round,” said Hamsik when summing up his side’s campaign during an interview with Slovakian outlet Sport.
“I matched my personal record for goals in a season, 13 in total, and finished as the [joint] best assist-maker in the league, but I didn’t get continuity in team. I wanted to play more.
“When I’m not on the field from the start, then I don’t feel satisfied.
“But I’m a professional and I accepted the decision.”
Asked to give his thoughts on the departure of Benitez to Real Madrid, the 27-year-old suggested he may not have been able to continue working under the Spaniard.
“We had a professional relationship and we shook hands when he left,” he continued.
“Now comes something new [under the next coach]. I hope to play more.
“I cannot say whether I’d have gone [had Benitez stayed].”
