

Rafa Benitez, coach of Napoli has been clear and decisive as usual in his remarks at the press conference the day before his team’s game against Inter Milan. This is before Napoli finish a great season with a potential victory in the Cup final in Italy, on May 3. With this in mind, the Spanish coach has analyzed the next game and the challenges facing the club before the end of this year. To summarize, the preparer of the Neapolitan squad has stated "we are determined to give the maximum in the San Siro. We are motivated and want to see my team show a winning mentality on the field".



Mister, which of the two teams that we will see tomorrow on the field have more incentive to win the game?



"It's a very important game for both teams. We want to continue in Europe next season and we need to ensure third place in mathematical form - leaving no room for doubt. We also want to break the record of away victories of the club and get the maximum amount of points, we also have a situation as possibly Higuain finishing as top scorer in Serie A, which would be very positive for Napoli. As you can see, we have many stimuli, the team that has to play tomorrow going all out to win. Thinking now of the final of the Italian Cup would be a mistake; we focus on the game after the match at the San Siro. I would like to see an improvement in quality that has earned this team their mentality".



Will the choice of starters for tomorrow's game be influenced by the impending final of the Italian Cup against Fiorentina?



"This does not influence me from any external factor. I always pick the players that I consider more prepared for every game, in this case Inter Milan. The message I have given the team has always been that if a match is played the right intensity, show me who want’s to play the next game and I'll remember".



Focusing on the emotional and technical profile, what Inter are expected tomorrow?



"Inter have players of many levels. It will be a tough game; both for the quality that its workforce has and as the motivation of both teams fighting for European places next season. We play in their stadium, 'San Siro', which will be in their favor, clearly. So we have to play as best we know".



All week, the media have spoken of the past. Do you have any reason for a rematch?



"Not at all. I repeat what I have said on many occasion’s, I have not had any problems at Inter. It is a world-class club, personally I felt I did a good job and have a good relationship with almost all the people and players of the club. I was able to win two titles, the only ones of that time I was there. Actually, it's old news, we have to focus on the present and the future. I am now the coach of Napoli and am focused on the game we have tomorrow, I always look forward".



Now it's been almost a year, what is the difference of Napoli under you?



"I do not think it's correct to say as my Napoli or Mazzarri’s. Napoli is a club, it belongs to all the people who have worked here for many years. And above all, it belongs to its fans. Mazzarri did a good job here for four years, I just arrived here and I try to bring my own ideas for the club, which will prepare for growth internationally. That's the only difference. For me this season has served well for the players who were already the club, something that is very important to me. My idea of football is different from Mazzarri, this is true, and it's something you love to emphasize to everyone. Each year, the staff has to grow in quality and want to continue in that line, carrying our project forward".



What is your assessment of this season and what is expected to change in the next?



"I think this year has been very positive for Napoli. We can do even better if we win tomorrow at the 'San Siro'. That is clear and we want to get it. We are in the first season of the project, with many changes. In addition, next year we want to further strengthen the squad. To do this, we'll find players in the market, which is crucial for us, no matter whether it is large or young stars who play quality football, who are hungry and motivated enough to play in Naples".



You've talked a lot lately about the need Napoli to grow in regards to the character of the team...



"Yes, I always say that character and mentality are not bought in a supermarket. I believe that the players are more important than any particular moment in a game. We created a lot of chances in every game if we had managed to convert these, we would not be talking about mentality. A team playing well as we have have to score more goals, creating chances which then materialize. That's the goal; grow through the character of our players and the team's. The template will become stronger by acquiring a winning mentality if you have quality players".