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Josu Urrutia: 'Napoli did not want us'

Athletic Bilbao president Josu Urrutia claims that Napoli would have wanted to avoid the Spanish team in the Champions League playoff draw.

Athletic Bilbao president Josu Urrutia believes that Napoli would have wanted to avoid his side in the Champions League playoff draw on Friday.

In arguably the tie of the round, La Liga outfit Bilbao were pitted against Italian side Napoli.

Urrutia has admitted that it will be difficult for the Basque outfit, but is confident that his team will advance over the two legs.

"It's a Champions League game against a great rival," he told reporters at a press conference.

"In order to continue in the competition, we need to get through these two games. None of the other teams wanted to meet us and I'm sure Napoli are no different.

"It's not going to be easy but we are not afraid of competing at the highest level."

The first leg will take place in Naples on September 19, before the return leg in Bilbao on September 27.

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Head coach Rafael Benitez of SSC Napoli during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between SSC Napoli and Olympique de Marseille at Stadio San Paolo on November 6, 2013
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4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
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6Mallorca199371921-230
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8GironaGirona197472725225
9Rayo Vallecano196762222025
10Real BetisBetis196752123-225
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13Sevilla196582128-723
14Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
15Leganes194781829-1119
16AlavesAlaves194592131-1017
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1944111731-1416
19Valencia1927101829-1113
20Real ValladolidValladolid1933121337-2412


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