Benitez does not fear sack

Rafael Benitez does not feel he is facing the sack after Napoli drew 3-3 at home to Palermo as their Serie A woes continued on Wednesday.

Napoli sensationally surrendered the lead on two occasions, and were forced to share the spoils against Palermo at the Stadio San Paolo.

Benitez’s men were in cruise control after 11 minutes, thanks to quick-fire goals from Kalidou Koulibaly and Daniel Zapata.

Palermo hit back almost instantaneously, with Andrea Belotti and Franco Vazquez restoring parity before the 24-minute mark.

Jose Callejon ensured Napoli went into the break with a 3-2 lead, netting in the first minute of added time, though Belotti scored his second of the match on the hour-mark as Palermo earned a draw.

Napoli are without a win in three league matches, languishing in 10th spot with four points, but Benitez remained bullish about his position at the club.

“Clearly the team needs to be helped at this moment. We scored three goals, could’ve had more and were denied a penalty that could’ve made the difference,” the Spaniard told Sky Sport Italia.

“It is also true we conceded three goals that we should not have conceded. I think the side still lacks a sense of calm.

“Do I feel at risk? No. I haven’t spoken to the president, but I don’t need to talk to him every five minutes to ask if I’m at risk or not at risk. This team did well before and will do well again.”

Benitez added: “I am the coach of a strong team that did well last year and need to get them kick-started again.

“We have to do it all together, I do my part and we must all work together to get the best out of a quality squad.

“I agree that this team needs to rediscover its calm, intensity and focus. We need to regroup, work together and use their quality.

“It is a tough start to this term, but we need to get back in shape all the players who can make the difference.”