Rafa Benitez happy to lend a helping hand to Garry Monk

Rafa Benitez

Napoli Manager Rafa Benitez has promised to give Garry Monk a few managerial pointers after Swansea City’s Europa League clash with Napoli is over. The South Wales Evening Post report that the Spaniard would gladly let Garry Monk pick his brains, but only after the clash.

The two men, who are on opposite ends of the management spectrum, are set to meet tonight in the first leg of the Europa League clash between Swansea City and Napoli at the Liberty Stadium. With over twenty years of coaching experience under his belt, which included a famous Champions League triumph, Benitez trumps Monk when it comes to coaching credentials, who only took over after the acrimonious sacking of Michael Laudrup.

This should come as a pleasant surprise for Monk, after he revealed that he hoped to pick the veteran Spaniard’s brain as he takes the first steps in his coaching career. On this particular subject, Benitez said “I have no problems giving advice after the game.”

“I know him (Monk) from when he was a player, I was reading reports from my scouts, who said he was someone that likes good football and tactically will be good.

“I’m sure he will be good, and I can give advice because I am older than him, but it will have to wait until after the game.”

The clash at the Liberty stadium marks a return to the same place where he was eliminated as Chelsea boss last year, when Swansea progressed over two-legs to eventually claim the Capital One Cup.

And whilst there are striking similarities between both clashes, it would be an even greater surprise if Swansea go through, particular given their current predicament. However, Benitez wasn’t too keen on underestimating their opponents.

“We have to be aware of the quality players Swansea have and the way they play,” said Benitez. “Winning is never easy, and the Europa League is a very difficult competition because not everyone understands the importance of knowing the team you play against.”

He also added that Swansea are a good side and it will a tough encounter that they have to get through, even though they languish near the bottom of the Premier League, whilst Napoli are flying high in Italy. He also said that playing “a team from the Premier League is a real challenge.”

He also added “I know Swansea and I can tell my players that Swansea are a very good side. Swansea like to pass the ball and they are quick. They have a lot of quality players, Spanish players that understand the way they play, and there are players that have been there a number of years so they are a difficult side to play against.”