Rafael Benitez

“I have said many times that I am convinced that Benzema is a great striker, and I think he has demonstrated that.”

“I understand 100 per cent why someone would want to buy Newcastle United. It's very clear: it has the potential to be one of the top sides.”

“If the owner wants to support the team, that's okay. If the owner can be on the pitch and score a couple of goals, it would be better!”

“I don't always sleep for too long, but I sleep well. Sometimes when you have a doubt about team selection, you talk to your pillow, but in the morning, you have an idea.”

“You are under pressure when you play to avoid relegation.”

“Does the manager have absolute power in England? No, it depends on a budget and on the executive director that negotiates the signings of players.”

“You cannot bring in two or three top-class players if you don't have the money. You have to sell.”

“To win the league with Valencia in Spain after 31 years changed my life.”

“It is very important that you can express yourself, especially at half-time in a changing room, which is the crucial time for a manager.”

“I have to concentrate on my job and try to do my best in the things that I know. Coaching the team and trying to have a winning mentality.”

“When you are winning and go to finals, you want to win the finals.”

“You go to Madrid, you have four or five teams at the maximum level. You go to Milan, and it's the same. Napoli is similar to Newcastle in terms of everyone supporting one club in the city. It's positive and unique when you have that.”

“I don't read the press that much.”

“Napoli belongs to the city and to the fans. If this city sees the team reach the final, it will be a source of pride.”

“When you are playing well, the players play with more confidence, sometimes without changing anything.”

“I am a professional that likes to concentrate on my job during the games.”

“I've worked with so many teams, so many dressing rooms.”

“The difference between the Premier League and the other leagues is the intensity of the games.”

“I knew off by heart the names of the Real Madrid team that played Liverpool in the European Cup final of 1981.”

“Having the family around is always very important because they are supportive. If you have a good day, you can enjoy it together. And if you have a bad day, you always find something as a distraction with your children, because they are normally happy.”