FC Porto will keep an eye on the pressure Otamendi usually puts on referees | OneFootball

The coach Francesco Farioli concluded a part of the press conference with the statement, “I hope you understand the importance of this game. I have no doubts about how the game will be managed,” and, using the confrontation with Sporting as a starting point, he discussed the disciplinary management he anticipates for the match against Benfica.

Refereeing was one of the topics the Italian coach addressed in preparation for the classic, following the controversies of recent days, with special emphasis on a concern directed at Otamendi.

FC Porto remains vigilant to the risk of a “Hjulmand effect” caused by Benfica's captain with referee João Pinheiro. The pressure of a decisive game for the Eagles combines with the interventionist profile of the Argentine international, who asserts himself in critical moments and provokes irritation in opponents.

Regarding the stance of the Danish Sporting player – already criticized by José Mourinho – Farioli did not hide his displeasure. “Hjulmand will pressure the referee at every moment. It's embarrassing to watch, but it is what it is,” he stated.

With Benfica on the horizon, the Olival training center reflected on facts such as Otamendi's expulsion for protests in the Allianz Cup in Leiria, and how the criticism of that decision might influence Pinheiro at Luz. That double yellow, given in injury time, prevented the veteran from playing at Dragão for the Portuguese Cup; nevertheless, he accompanied the team and watched the game on the Reds' bus.

Regardless of the stance the AF Braga referee may take, everything points to heightened attention from Porto's side. Captain Diogo Costa and vice-captain Alan Varela – the latter being the most vocal of the blue and whites with the referee – will have a crucial role in marking Otamendi. Therefore, a showdown is expected, consistent with the confrontational tone that Portuguese classics have taken on this season.

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