Rafael Benitez is willing to put discussions about his own future on hold for the time being as he focuses all his efforts on the remainder of the season with Napoli.
Benitez has been with the Partenopei since May 2013, and led them to a third place finish in Serie A and Coppa Italia glory during his first season in charge. This time round he may be struggling to replicate this league finish – they are currently in fifth place and five points adrift of third-placed Lazio – but is still in contention for the UEFA Europa League and the domestic competition they won last term.
However, the Spaniard is out of contract at the end of the campaign, and he is likely to have a number of options should be decide to quit Naples. Indeed, a return to England – where he has recently coached Chelsea and, more memorably Liverpool – has been mooted, with Manuel Pellegrini expected to come under pressure unless he leads Manchester City to a successive league title.
There has also been speculation that Paris Saint-Germain might part ways with Laurent Blanc if they fail to retain their Ligue 1 crown, unless of course they win the UEFA Champions League. Benitez would be an attractive proposition for the French club, but for the time being, he insists he is focused on ending the season will with Napoli and will discuss his future with the club when the time is right.
“In the coming weeks I will see the president and we’ll see. We will always look to do what’s best for Napoli,” Benitez said ahead of the weekend clash with Roma. “Aside from what has been said, the team must be concentrated and give its best. You have to win every game. The goal is to take the club to a high level that it can stay at for years, winning titles and fighting on several fronts.”
