Defender RafaMarin expressed on the morning of 12 October 2026 his satisfaction with returning to Villarreal, where he played his last championship season. In an interview with Sky Sport, Marin underlined the pleasure of returning to the "Estadio de la Cerámica" and recalled the success achieved with Napoli, who had reached third place in SerieA the previous year. “I'm happy to come back here, we came in third place last year and I feel like I've improved a lot, I'm really happy,” he said, adding that the presence of high-level players like DeBruyne always motivates him to give his best on the pitch.
The player then highlighted the importance of preparing for the upcoming match against Villarreal, a team with which he will have a crucial match. Marin explained that his team worked intensely to address their rival's offensive potential, underlining the need for a solid defense and a good counterattack. “We have trained on this, we know that an intense and strong match awaits us, we are good, we have to be good,” he said, insisting that fitness and concentration are key to countering Villarreal's fast attack.
When asked if he prefers a three or four defense, Marin replied that the choice is not decisive, as long as we win the match. “It's the same, it's about winning,” he said, showing a pragmatic view of the defensive role. He also reiterated his trust in coach Allegri, with whom he feels more comfortable and who hopes to remain with Napoli for many years. "With Allegri I feel more at ease. I want to stay here for many years," he added, highlighting a strong bond with the team and the city.
Napoli, who are currently in the qualification zone for European competitions, need to maintain their position to consolidate their ranking. The match against Villarreal represents an opportunity to consolidate their position and to demonstrate defensive solidity under the guidance of Marin. The club has already shown that it is capable of handling the toughest challenges, as demonstrated by its league performance and ability to adapt to different defensive schemes.
Looking to the future, Napoli will have to continue to focus on a compact defense and a quick restart to face the challenges that await them in the final stages of the season. Marin's return to Villarreal, while an opportunity to test his skills against a high-level opponent, could also serve to strengthen the player's confidence in his team. With the season still long, the next match will be a crucial moment to consolidate Napoli's position in the table and to demonstrate that they are a serious candidate for winning a title.