Why Rafael Benitez's Stubbornness Is Hurting Napoli

Out-played. Found out. Short of ideas.

For as much as Napoli coach Rafael Benitez wants to believe his team’s shortcomings do not in some way pertain to his tactics, he really needs to take a good look in the mirror. His side are not the same energy-filled and fearless team of a year prior.

Benitez’s stubbornness in failing to experiment new tactical systems while Napoli struggle is ultimately hindering his side to compete to their highest potential.

The Spanish tactician arrived in the summer of 2013 and brought with him a trio of Real Madrid outcasts in which to see out his vision in his preferred system, the 4-2-3-1. Dries Mertens also arrived from PSV Eindhoven to complete the finishing touches in attack.

Napoli excelled in hitting teams on the break, their counterattacks nightmares for opposing defences. Speed was the name of their game, quick passing the mainstay of their play.

But things have changed this season.

Slow ball movement has become a habit and static play in attack painful for all to see. The Partenopei have had trouble breaking down sides and also creating in front of goal. Teams now sit back and know they can hurt Napoli on the counter because of their shaky defence. To add to that, Napoli have only won one once in their last six matches in all competitions, per WhoScored.com.

With this in mind, should Rafa experiment with new formations?

And the simple answer is yes.

Given the disposal of players available to Benitez, two setups that Napoli should test out are the 4-4-2 and 4-3-3.

We have all seen star-striker Gonzalo Higuain’s frustrations this season. He appears rather nervous on the pitch and lashes out at match officials and team-mates constantly. However, the Argentine international has looked more comfortable when playing alongside 23-year-old Duvan Zapata.

Zapata is a strong prima punta. He holds up play well and engages his team-mates in attack. In this 4-4-2 scheme tried only a handful of times when the Partenopei are in need of a goal, the side have looked more balanced and lively. More importantly, they are also more threatening on goal. It could be just the remedy to get the best out of El Pipita for the remainder of the season.

One talking point that arises with this setup is that it severely limits playing time for Marek Hamsik. Whenever Benitez has deployed the 4-4-2, he has taken the captain off for Zapata.

Another setup that could help Napoli utilise their players to their best abilities is the 4-3-3. The Partenopei’s midfield is currently being overrun and a switch to a midfield three could render better coverage. Hamsik dropping to a deeper position could help spark a return to form. Midfielder Jorginho has also recently not performed well in the double pivot. He seems to excel playing in a trio, the same setup used by his former team Hellas Verona.

A tactics change would also be to continue to allow Jose Callejon and Dries Mertens to play on the right and left flanks, respectively.

Seeing how Benitez has never strayed away from his beloved 4-2-3-1 it seems unlikely that he will now. TuttoNapoli.net (h/t The Sirens Song) reported that owner Aurelio De Laurentiis is sticking by Benitez for the future and even called him “unquestionably extraordinary.”

Nevertheless if Rafa were to proactively try a new system, it could help turn the tide around and benefit Napoli’s season.