Monday, March 10, 2014

The Spaniard was thrilled to see his side record their second win of the season against the Giallorossi on Sunday despite his starting XI being forced into some late changes

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez hailed his side for adapting to changes to claim a 1-0 win over Roma on Sunday.

Jose Callejon's 81st-minute header was all the hosts needed at the San Paolo to move to within three points of second-placed Roma in Serie A.

Having lost Valon Behrami and Jorginho to pre-match ailments, Benitez praised his side for still having the character to claim three points.

"We've seen many games that Napoli played well and didn't win, so to beat a strong side like Roma I think we ought to be happy," Benitez told Sky Sport Italia.

"I think we are the only team this season who have beaten Roma twice. That must mean we are doing something right.

"We lost Valon Behrami and Jorginho this morning, so we had to change things around, which made the win even more pleasing.

"We've had quality throughout the year and without certain players today we still had intensity, scoring opportunities and kept a clean sheet."

Faouzi Ghoulam picked out Callejon at the back post and the attacker found the top corner with his header, which went in off the post for the game's only goal.

Benitez was unhappy with how often his team turned over possession, but was pleased his side took their chance.

"Of course we had a few problems on the counter-attack, but that was because we lost the ball, so we have to work on that," he said.

"Our idea is to attack and we went forward from the start, trying to get the victory.

"I think both teams had their chances and it could've gone either way, but we took our opportunity and won the game."

Benitez also defended midfielder Marek Hamsik as the Slovakian continues to struggle on his return from injury.

"At the start of the season he did very well, but he was out for two months and is really struggling to regain full fitness," the Spaniard said.

"We know he has the quality and will get there eventually."

No comments:

Post a Comment

WE LOVE COMMENTS, POST A COMMENT

Nigerian Woman Shows Off Giant Cassava Tuber She Harvested From Her Farm (Photo)

  A woman from Orlu, Imo State showed off a giant Cassava tuber she harvested from her farmland, NairaNaijaNews reports. See photo below.