Benitez refutes News of Rift with Callejon over Possible Move To Spain
Opeyemi Oladunjoye
Napoli coach, Rafael Benitez has denied rumours of a rift with Jose Callejon amidst interest from Spanish champions Atletico Madrid.
The Spaniard was sent home to Naples from a training session on Sunday, although there was nothing sufficient to cause Benitez’s 
decision to dismiss the former Real Madrid forward.
There is speculation that the forward is set to return to Spain, with La Liga champions, Atletico Madrid set to make another offer for Callejon’s services after their initial bid was turned down.
Benitez however, insists he has no problem with his fellow Spaniard, who scored 15 goals in 37 Serie A appearances during his debut season in Naples.
“I sent him home because it was plain to see he lacked intensity. You said he had a spat with me. Not at all,” Benitez said. “He’s a player I signed, who deserves to be an international, who will score 15 to 20 goals, who always trains hard as you saw yesterday. There is no issue about him.
“Then, you know, some club (Atletico Madrid) handed an important offer for him. We refused and some newspapers start to spread rumours. Callejon is a good guy, a top-level player who can still improve with us and he is not for sale.”
Benitez also discussed his transfer plans, especially his interest in Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano, who he managed at Anfield.
“There are many players we like, but we have to know our level and look for the suitable man for our tactics,” Benitez added.
“Mascherano is very strong, we like him, but if he won’t come here, we will sign another player and make him feel as strong as Mascherano.”