Rafa Benitez, SSC Napoli head coach, regrets not having won the game after a convincing display at their Champions League play off round game against Athletico Bilbao (1-1). The Neapolitan team coach highlighted his team's ability to react after having conceded a goal and their numerous chances to draw (which they did) and win the game. The Spanish coach stated "I believe that today we deserved to win, but it wasn't to be despite the chances we had. Still, we are confident in our chances to qualify for the next round. To do so we need to score in the game at San Mames".

"We knew perfectly well that this game would not be easy, we faced a team of great quality," noted the Spaniard who then added.."in the pre-match press conference I did comment that we expected a game like this one, of great intensity. In the beginning we could have scored up to three goals, but after that Athletico played better" acknowledged the Neapolitan team manager, he then said "it was exactly at that point that the team reacted really well and with integrity, this is something I consider crucial for the second leg".

The Spanish coach highlighted Napoli's danger in attack which led to big chances, he pointed out "our aim is to look for a victory, we always want to win, it's clear. I have confidence in the team because today we have shown with four or five clear chances to score and win the game our capacity to qualify for the next round" We all expected a difficult game, but in the end we deserved a victory".

"We are not in top form physically yet" continued Benitez, "we are two weeks behind Bilbao in training, but we are confident in our capacity to improve. The real test took place in the final moments when we introduced Mertens and Michu who contributed freshness and depth in the offensive phase, we created chances that could have given us the victory".

When asked about having selected Gargano and Britos in the starting eleven Benitez firmly argued his decision by replying that "Gargano has been one of the best players on the pitch this evening. Furthermore in terms of fitness his performance perfectly explains my choice. Also Britos has demonstrated his capacity to develop his role on the left wing, most of all in the second half he was a great help to the team" concluded the "azzurro" coach.