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‘I’m not surprised by Arsenal success’

Rafael Benitez
Rafael Benitez was appointed Napoli manager this summer

Rafael Benitez is not surprised to see Arsenal top of the Premier League.

The Gunners host Benitez's new club Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday and both sides have got off to good starts in their respective domestic leagues.

The former Liverpool and Chelsea boss was full of praise for Arsene Wenger, hailing the Frenchman as the finest manager in English football.

"We must show character, strength and respect to a team at the top of the Premier League and at the highest level in Europe"

Rafael Benitez

"I am expecting a strong team because I think Arsene Wenger is the best coach in the Premier League," said Benitez. "Wenger is a great manager, a great person and someone who knows the league here in England.

"He has experience in Europe, Arsenal is always top four and he is doing a great job. Hopefully he can win [the Champions League], but another year, not this one."

Napoli got their Champions League campaign off to a fantastic start, beating last year's finalists Borussia Dortmund 2-1 on matchday one. But Benitez is expecting a different type of game against Arsenal.

"This game is different, we play away against a team whose ball possession is one of their strengths, with the counter-attack, so we will need to change our approach.

"We probably need to control the euphoria. Now we are going to play against a top side. We must show character, strength and respect to a team at the top of the Premier League and at the highest level in Europe."

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