Benítez: "We fulfilled our objectives"

The ´azzurro´ head coach is happy with their victory, getting through to the next round and his players´ contribution

27/02/2015sscnapoli.it/rafabenitez.com

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Rafa Benítez, SSC Napoli head coach, is very happy having got through to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League with another victory to add to the team´s current positive run of results. His squad beat Trabzonspor (1-0) last night and the head coach of the Neapolitan team is pleased that they been able to achieve both of the objectives they had set for this round, which included to get the participation, implication and contribution of the players who have played less throughout the season and at the same time show that SSC Napoli is prepared to confidently tackle a calendar full of games in the three competitions in which they are participating. In their usual press conference after the game the 'azzurro' coach highlighted the positive aspects of the game declaring that: "we can agree that it has been a great game, the team has given a great performance, we have got through to the next round and I think we have shown very positive signs for our next game in the Serie A this coming weekend against Torino away".

"The main idea, after the good result obtained in the first leg in Turkey, was to play well and at the same time show the appropriate mentality on the pitch" said the Spanish coach just before adding: "besides, I sincerely believe that we created many chances at goal, without allowing any against us; this shows the offensive-defensive balance of our group. My intention was to see the work of my players, those who have played less. We can speak of a specific example; Higuaín played more minutes than Duván because he was not able to play against Sassuolo due to suspension. I have seen positive signs from the group, they did not suffer and showed good form in all respects".

When asked about Callejón, who missed different chances to score, the head coach of the Neapolitan squad replied: "he has managed to create many chances at goal, I really liked how he moved on the pitch and he had opportunities to score, that is most important. I am very happy with the game he has played".

Concerning their next opponent in the Serie A, they face Torino this coming Sunday and the Spanish coach acknowledged: "Torino´s result in Bilbao confirms that we will play against a very tough opponent this weekend in the Serie A. As I see it, it will be a very tight and competitive game. We assume it won´t be easy but we will give one hundred percent on the pitch to try to achieve the best result possible".

SSC Napoli has not conceded a goal in the UEFA Europa League in five consecutive games, on this point the SSC Napoli coach believes that: "it is important because it means that we are working well in the defensive phase, at an optimal level for this competition. I can only add that we must continue like this, we have to use our strengths and try to iron out our flaws. We are working on this".

Five Italian clubs have secured their place in the last sixteen of the 'Europa League', so a 'national derby' could be a possibility in the next phase of the competition. In this regard, and to finish, Benítez said that: "we don´t have to wait long, we will see tomorrow. If it turns out that way it may be harder to get a win, but, on the other hand travelling to the game would be much more comfortable".