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Rafael Benitez : 'We lost our confidence'

02 October 2013 - 03:31

Napoli manager Rafael Benitez believes that his side had "lost confidence" after they were pecked back by a brilliant first half display by Arsenal in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

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Early goals from Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud guaranteed a 2-0 win for the Gunners over Napoli, and Benitez feels that his team struggled to have a foothold of the Champions League encounter after giving a two goal lead after just 16 minutes into the game.<br />

Benitez told Sky Sport Italia :<em> "We lost our confidence, the second half was a bit better, but it's tough to come back from 2-0 against Arsenal in the Champions League.</em><br />

<em>"I can guarantee we told the players the opening 20 minutes would be very fiery. We knew they'd come out at us with pace, but these two goals made the difference.</em><br />

<em>"We made mistakes, I don't know if they were down to inexperience or what, but you pay for mistakes at this level."</em><br />

Arsenal are currently placed top of Group F with six points.

Written by Sri Aswin