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Forget Jose, Wenger is the best in the Premier League! Benitez butters Arsenal up ahead of crunch Champions League clash
By NEIL ASHTON
PUBLISHED: 11:27 EST, 10 December 2013 | UPDATED: 12:32 EST, 10 December 2013
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Rafa Benitez has hailed Arsene Wenger as the best manager in the Barclays Premier League ahead of Napoli’s Champions League clash with Arsenal.
The Napoli coach, who guided Chelsea to Europa League glory last season, has backed Wenger as the top boss in the country.
Despite failing to lift a trophy since the FA Cup triumph in 2005 or win the Premier League since 2004, Benitez believes Wenger is the best.
VIDEO Scroll down to see Wenger overseeing Arsenal team as they train for Napoli match
Favourite: Napoli manager Rafa Benitez believes Arsenal's Arsene Wenger is the best boss in the Premier League
Mesut Ozil all smiles as Arsenal train ahead of Napoli clash
Travel: Wenger takes his side to Napoli in the final group game of the Champions League on Wednesday
He said: 'For me Wenger is the best coach in the Premier League and knows what his team must do.
‘In modern football everyone knows the quality of their rivals. Arsenal is a very strong side.
‘This could be the year they win the Premier League. Arsenal will try to control possession and hit us with counter attacks. We have to do our thing, focus on ourselves and not on them.’
Arsenal will qualify for the second round draw - which takes place on Monday in Nyon, Switzerland - if they avoid a heavy defeat here in Naples.
Know what you have to do: Arsenal need to avoid defeat in Naples in order to qualify for the next round
Benitez, whose side are third in Serie A, says Arsenal are expected to qualify from the group after gaining a three-point advantage over Borussia Dortmund and Napoli at the top.
Benitez added: 'We know that Arsenal are very strong but we will try.
‘My team has to give 100 per cent. My players know how important tomorrow’s game is and they have all trained really well.
Formidable: Benitez has praised the quality at Wenger's disposal ahead of the game between the two sides
Big man: The signing of Mesut Ozil has made Arsenal a more profitable outfit going forward this season
Flying: Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski run in training as the Gunners lie top of the Premier League
‘We have nothing to lose. For us to play at home gives us an added strength.
‘We were unlucky to be placed in such a difficult group but for me, it’s better to experience these games rather than watch them on TV.’
Benitez will be hoping to recover Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who missed Saturday’s 3-3 draw against Udinese with a muscular injury.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz2nHwJVlId
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PUBLISHED: 11:27 EST, 10 December 2013 | UPDATED: 12:32 EST, 10 December 2013
141 shares
96
View
comments
Rafa Benitez has hailed Arsene Wenger as the best manager in the Barclays Premier League ahead of Napoli’s Champions League clash with Arsenal.
The Napoli coach, who guided Chelsea to Europa League glory last season, has backed Wenger as the top boss in the country.
Despite failing to lift a trophy since the FA Cup triumph in 2005 or win the Premier League since 2004, Benitez believes Wenger is the best.
VIDEO Scroll down to see Wenger overseeing Arsenal team as they train for Napoli match
Favourite: Napoli manager Rafa Benitez believes Arsenal's Arsene Wenger is the best boss in the Premier LeagueMesut Ozil all smiles as Arsenal train ahead of Napoli clash
Travel: Wenger takes his side to Napoli in the final group game of the Champions League on WednesdayHe said: 'For me Wenger is the best coach in the Premier League and knows what his team must do.
‘In modern football everyone knows the quality of their rivals. Arsenal is a very strong side.
‘This could be the year they win the Premier League. Arsenal will try to control possession and hit us with counter attacks. We have to do our thing, focus on ourselves and not on them.’
Arsenal will qualify for the second round draw - which takes place on Monday in Nyon, Switzerland - if they avoid a heavy defeat here in Naples.
Know what you have to do: Arsenal need to avoid defeat in Naples in order to qualify for the next roundBenitez, whose side are third in Serie A, says Arsenal are expected to qualify from the group after gaining a three-point advantage over Borussia Dortmund and Napoli at the top.
Benitez added: 'We know that Arsenal are very strong but we will try.
‘My team has to give 100 per cent. My players know how important tomorrow’s game is and they have all trained really well.
Formidable: Benitez has praised the quality at Wenger's disposal ahead of the game between the two sidesBig man: The signing of Mesut Ozil has made Arsenal a more profitable outfit going forward this seasonFlying: Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski run in training as the Gunners lie top of the Premier League‘We have nothing to lose. For us to play at home gives us an added strength.
‘We were unlucky to be placed in such a difficult group but for me, it’s better to experience these games rather than watch them on TV.’
Benitez will be hoping to recover Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who missed Saturday’s 3-3 draw against Udinese with a muscular injury.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz2nHwJVlId
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