Rafa Benitez says Inter’s win over Benfica surprised him the most in the Champions League and explained why Napoli hold the edge over AC Milan in the quarter-finals. The Spanish coach was in charge of the Partenopei from 2013 to 2015, winning the Coppa Italia and the SuperCoppa during his time at the Stadio Maradona. Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of tonight’s match, the 63-year-old discussed this seasons European competitions, revealed what he told Luciano Spalletti in Liverpool and explained why Osimhen’s return can be the difference for Napoli:
Is there a result that surprised you in the Champions League?
“Inter above all. I expected a better Benfica, but the Nerazzurris’ merits must be recognized: congratulations. I liked Napoli, although they missed Osimhen. Real’s victory was predictable, Bayern would have deserved at least a goal with City.”
In Serie A, Inter’s situation is complex. Would you change coach?
“As a colleague, I don’t like that someone can lose their job. Inzaghi’s management on the whole is positive, otherwise he would not be in the quarters in the Champions League. Let’s see how it will continue, maybe it becomes a year to remember….”
Do you believe in the Napoli comeback?
“Milan and Pioli have impressed me, the quarterfinals after the Scudetto are to be commended, but the Azzurri are stronger. So the answer is yes, they can do it. With Osimhen they will regain confidence.”
Yet neither is in the best of times.
“There is always for everyone a period of downturn, sometimes in the case of Napoli you play with too much awareness when so many victories come and you can lose concentration in another competition. So far they have been great.”
Can the Scudetto be considered a done deal?
“In Liverpool I told Spalletti that they would win the title and he didn’t want to say anything out of superstition. Elimination would not change anything, Luciano is leading it perfectly.”
A title in Naples is different.
“Neapolitans feel the team inside them. That’s why it will be a memorable day, not only for the city and the people, but all over the world. I have met Azzurri supporters everywhere who share the same passion.”
On the other side, Ancelotti is making a bid for the final again.
“Real is often among the favorites, Carlo is a professional cup-lifter and experience like that is crucial to compete and go all the way.”
Who has a better chance in the Europa League between Juventus and Roma?
“They are high for both, Allegri and Mourinho know how to win. This year’s difficulties might give some extra motivation to the Bianconeri, because they know it’s the only chance to be happy about something.”
Six Italians in the quarters in Europe: is the gap with the other leagues closing?
“It is a very good indication but it should happen for at least two years. The main thing is continuity in corporate management, so that international presence is always guaranteed.”
You have received several proposals to coach, without accepting.
“I want to be sure, my staff and I have managed to be competitive in many countries. Football now is more focused on the youth academies, we have done it many times, but you always need capital to invest.”
Do you ever think about a return to A?
“Why not? No preclusion, if the context is right.”
