Arsene Wenger is the best coach in the Premier League - Rafael Benitez

Arsene Wenger has earned the plaudits of Napoli boss Rafael Benitez

Ahead of their Champions league clash on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium, Napoli boss Rafael Benitez has lavished praise on Arsene Wenger by tagging him as “the top coach in the Premier League”.

Both the sides have started their Champions League campaign on a winning note with Napoli handing Borussia Dortmund a shock 2-1 defeat while Arsenal eased their way past Marseille.

Benitez said: “We are going to play against a top side so we must show character, strength – but we must also show respect to a team that is top of the league and playing very well.

“I am expecting a strong team because I think Wenger is the top coach in the Premier League, and then they signed top players so it is going well for them. Arsenal have a great manager and a good team.

“(Wenger) is a great manager, a great person. He is someone that knows the league in England and in Europe, and I think he is doing a great job and I hope that one year he can win it (the Champions League) – although not this year, just in case.”