25.10.2014 15:51 h

Benitez wants fan support, backs misfiring Higuain

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez has called for the fans' backing in the wake of a Europa League defeat to Young Boys which has placed further doubt on the Spaniard's future at the Serie A club.

Napoli's team bus came under attack from angry fans following a 2-0 defeat to the Swiss side in Berne when the visitors started with misfiring striker Gonzalo Higuain and Slovakian midfielder Marek Hamsik on the bench.

Napoli welcome Verona on Sunday for the first of three fixtures in the space of a week which could, according to reports, decide Benitez's future at the club.

But Benitez told reporters on Saturday: "The fans know I give everything to this club and this city. Tomorrow I ask them to help us by getting behind us because the more pressure the players feel, the more mistakes they make.

"I felt bad after the (Berne) defeat, not just because of the result but because of the way people hit out at the people who work at this club, and also for the negative image it gives to the city.

"Things have gotten out of hand."

After Sunday's game Napoli travel to Atalanta on Wednesday before hosting title challengers Roma in a much-anticipated clash next Saturday.

Reports claim Benitez could be fired if Napoli do not take maximum points from all three games.

Benitez, who many expect to leave the club come what may at the end of the season, played down those fears by highlighting the fact Napoli are unbeaten in Serie A in their past four games and have already won twice in their Europe League Group I.

"After three consecutive wins and a draw at the San Siro (against Inter) when they levelled in the 93rd minute, and a defeat in a Europa League group in which we have already won twice, I think it's a little exaggerated to ask whether we're on the right road or not," he added.

Misfiring Higuain, meanwhile, has the coach's backing amid what has been a goalless start to the Serie A season for the Argentina star.

"Higuain is a striker and when you don't score you feel like a lion in a cage," Benitez said.

"I spoke with him for an hour yesterday, we went over some video footage and we came to the conclusion that things have not been going as they should.

"He gets angry when he sees these mistakes... but I told him, 'instead of getting angry, go out and score three goals'. I'm sure he will soon."