HAMSIK CRITICISES BENITEZ'S NAPOLI TACTICS

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Following the club's 2-1 win over Juventus, the midfielder feels Maurizio Sarri's approach is far more exciting than that deployed by the Real Madrid manager during his tenure

Marek Hamsik claims Napoli play a far better brand of football this season than they did under former coach Rafael Benitez.

Maurizio Sarri replaced Benitez at the San Paolo after the latter moved to Real Madrid and has come in for criticism from some this season, with club icon Diego Maradona claiming Sarri was "not worthy" of the position.

Napoli have recovered their form following an inconsistent start to the season, however, with an impressive 2-1 win over Serie A champions Juventus on Saturday following two 5-0 wins earlier in September.

And Hamsik has now taken a swipe at Benitez, insisting the current side play with a far more enjoyable style.

"We did what the coach asked of us on the pitch," he told Rai Sport after the match with Juve. "I'm happy to be right in the middle of the action compared to last year. I really like this style of football.

"We're a much more dynamic and compact side. We play with the ball much more compared to last year, when we focused on long balls."

Hamsik went on to pledge his immediate future to the club after admitting Juventus had enquired about his signature during the transfer window.

"It's true that they wanted me but I never thought about it. It's a closed book now," added the 28-year-old. "I'm focused on doing well in this shirt, which I've worn for many years now."