Benitez: "In Udinese we need to have a lot of intensity"

The coach cleared any doubts about the future and re-enforces that Hamsik is essential to the team

18/04/2014sscnapoli.it/rafabenitez.com

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Rafa Benitez, coach of Napoli, wanted to make clear their expectations for the game to be played away against Udinese in the stadium 'Friuli'. Benitez has made it clear to the media in the press conference the day before the meeting the importance of this match for the season finale and took the opportunity to talk about the future of the Neapolitan club: "In a game like Udinese, you need to play with intensity, because we are facing a team that I'm sure will give their fullest in pursuit of victory, that is clear. Of my players, the only thing I hope is that they are further immersed in our challenge to continue the development of our project. For example, looking at the final of the Italian Cup, which is the closest overall goal".

Mister, what do you expect tomorrow for Napoli? Are you afraid that the squad is thinking of the final of the Coppa Italia?

"We know that tomorrow, Udinese play a game that will show on the field all their energy and their potential. We have to be very fast and play with that same intensity if we aspire to a good result. When there is an end on the horizon, there is always the risk of thinking that is the only major challenge before us is, that may seem obvious. Therefore, we must study the concentration factor of each player to decide who will be tomorrow in the field and who can give us what we need for this commitment. However, the reality is that I hope that each and every one of the players will give the best of themselves to prove they want to play in the final and have a place in the starting lineup of the meeting that will dispute the cup in the 'Olympico' in Rome on the 3rd".

Britos and Higuaín are both injured ...

"This is true, you have to assume it. Gonzalo (Higuain) took a hit yesterday in the training session and will not be available for this match, but I do not think that he will have problems playing the following game in Milan. Same with Miguel (Britos), who has a small knee problem and although it's nothing serious, it is better to rest it and tomorrow he is not with us. As a precaution more than anything else".

Zuniga returns to the call. How is he?

"Camilo (Zuniga) has been working very well in his recovery throughout this long period, the improvement is always gradual and he is now well physically, but obviously is not ready to start the match from the start and the challenge of playing 90 minutes".

Will we see Duván?

"Duván (Zapata) is making great strides, we should acknowledge that it is fair and in their last game performed and played very well. We're talking about a very young player who still needs time, time to receive the necessary experience. I am very pleased with his progress and I would like that once again demonstrated in the field".

You just celebrated your birthday, what gift you would like from your team?

"The best gift for me will be to win the next game. I have to be consistent in this regard and although winning the Italian Cup would be a great present too, winning the next match is very important to consolidate third place, which has always been one of our priorities".

The end of season will be important in deciding the future of some players?

"Every game, every practice, account for the balance of a player and to have a clear idea about their future. We have great players, all at a high level and a staff that has to give one hundred percent, show that they want to win and grow to be a great team".

Hamsik? Is he art of the future project at Napoli?

"Marek (Hamsik) is a key player for the club. He is not for sale and so do not have any doubt about this. I am very happy with his work and I am always the first to say he is an important, very important player for us. This year has had an unfortunate injury that is the real truth and this has marked his season, that is true and there is no choice but to accept. But more and very clearly again: I'm very happy with him and what he can bring to us. I will repeat one last time emphatically: Hamsik is absolutely critical to us".

Have you already thought of the summer market?

"For now, we concentrate only on the end of the season ahead and certify the challenges that we have proposed. There are now six games, the first and most important is tomorrow against Udinese. In regards to the transfer window we will talk later, we will have much time for it. Riccardo Bigon is working side by side with me every day and find it necessary to provide quality players at all times. To keep growing, it is very important to ensure that the workforce is more competitive. If they compete for the same position two good players improve their game to be starters. A growing group changing their mindset and that's important to have quality players with a winning mentality. We want to be a winning team and to achieve this, we need time and work, of course".

Was it important this year working as a group, which has changed both players and training?

"All have gained experience, that is the view. Even I'm learning a lot of Italian football, particularly, obviously in a tactical sense. For me it has never been a problem to change formation, even in the course of a game. But for me the key is to properly assimilate and learn the format of 4-2-3-1. In Italy you are very sensitive to the way of playing the adversary, but with this training your game depends less on what makes up your opponent. The first is to be clear about our tactical idea, then it will be easier to change anything, but always maintaining our identity".