Rafa Benitez says Napoli can win the UCL this season

Former Napoli, Liverpool, and Real Madrid coach, Rafael Benitez has put his weight behind Napoli winning the Champions League this season and has explained why in a recent interview. 

Benitez coached Napoli between 2013 and 2015 (well before Osimhen joined) and led the team to the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana. He now believes that Napoli can do even more exploits, including winning Europe’s biggest footballing prize if they play their cards right. 

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Benitez said, “When we talk about favourites in the Champions League, everyone always says the same names: Real Madrid, Manchester City, and so on. For me, Napoli have all the cards in order to impose themselves in Europe as well.”

He went on to explain exactly why he thinks Napoli has an edge over the supposed favourites and big boys of the UCL, saying, “They have nothing to lose, they play well, they have a large advantage in the league which will not be a great distraction at a physical and mental level. They can go ahead in Europe and the more they do that, the more they will grow.”

Having coached in the city of Naples, Benitez also pointed out how incredible it would be for the locals if Napoli could pull off a Champions League win in a city that adores its footballers and football team. 

“I know what the euphoria of a city like Naples means in terms of support for the team. So: why not?” He asked.

Napoli take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the round of 16 on Tuesday night, hoping to take a further step in the direction of Benitez’ dream for the team. 

Napoli have already shown great form in the Champions League this season and finished top of a group that also contained Liverpool Ajax, and Rangers. 

In addition to finishing top of a difficult group, Napoli also scored more goals in the group stages than any other team in the competition as they left viewers in awe of their incredible style and technical quality. 

They will hope to continue their amazing form against Frankfurt, and even if they eventually do not win the Champions League, they will always be remembered for the exceptional season they are having so far.