Dominik Prpic highlights rivalry with Benfica and FC Porto fans' passion

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·12 novembre 2025

Dominik Prpic highlights rivalry with Benfica and FC Porto fans' passion

In statements to 24sata, Croatia’s highest-circulation newspaper, central defender Dominik Prpic spoke about FC Porto, his integration into the city, and the demands of representing a top European club.

Prpic discussed the responsibility of wearing the blue and white colors, drawing a parallel with the Hajduk Split jersey, where he began his career. Asked about the biggest rivalry in Portugal, he answered without hesitation: “It’s with Benfica.”

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“It’s often said that the Hajduk jersey is heavy, and I’d say that FC Porto’s is very similar. Although I haven’t felt much pressure yet, since we haven’t lost in the league—only in the Europa League—I know that the expectations here are extremely high. From what I’ve heard from the more experienced players, in past seasons, when results didn’t come, the pressure was enormous. But so far, everything has been excellent,” said the Croatian, highlighting the passionate mentality of Porto’s fans.

Prpic acknowledged the rivalry with Benfica as one of the great chapters of Portuguese football, drawing a comparison with the clash between Hajduk and Dinamo: “Yes, Benfica is our biggest rival, just as Dinamo [Zagreb] is Hajduk’s. In Croatia, our fans are very numerous and loud, even away from home. Here at FC Porto, I feel the passion is just as intense, and that makes all the difference in our performance.” With FC Porto at the top of the table, Prpic praised the team’s start: “We had an excellent start, with ten wins and a draw against Benfica. We’re a young team, but with a lot of personality and individual quality. Our coach, Francesco Farioli, demands that we play as a true team, creating a spirit of unity. He’s always attentive, and when he notices our pace dropping, he makes sure to motivate us right away.” Regarding the Italian coach, Prpic was clear in his assessment: “I have nothing but praise for the coach. He gave me an opportunity, I see that he values me a lot and believes in me, and I’m very grateful for that. I have to keep working and wait for my chance… That’s how it was presented to me when I signed my contract. The first year is a year of adaptation to the club, the league, the mentality… I was aware that I would be used gradually and would have opportunities; it’s up to me to train and make the most of the minutes I get.”

The player also described how the transfer unfolded: “I was with Hajduk, at a training camp in Slovenia, when FC Porto’s officials presented me with a plan that I really liked. I accepted the offer immediately. Everything happened very quickly and I’m very happy to play for a European giant. I’m enjoying every moment.”

The memory of Ivic

Prpic also highlighted the club’s appreciation for its history and identity: “Our coach organized a visit to the club museum so that those of us who didn’t grow up in the academy could get to know FC Porto’s rich history. That’s when they asked me about Tomislav Ivic. Of course I knew who he was and the deep mark he left both at Hajduk and here in Porto,” he revealed, enthusiastically.

As for adapting to Portugal, the defender said he enrolled in a Portuguese course right after arriving: “No one forced me, but I thought it was important to learn the language. I can already communicate on the pitch, order food in a restaurant, and find my way around the city. I think learning the language is a way of showing respect for the place we’re in.”

With a five-year contract and a release clause set at 60 million euros, Prpic admitted he was surprised, but valued the club’s commitment: “I was surprised when I learned about the clause, but it reflects the plan FC Porto has for me. So far, everything is going well and I have a very good relationship with the coach,” he said.

Regarding the competition for the central defender position, he was optimistic: “We have very experienced players, like Jakub Kiwior and Jan Bednarek, but both have been very fair with me. I believe that, with hard work, I’ll be able to earn my place.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.