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

Coach Francesco Farioli closed 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, taking the clash with Sporting as a starting point, addressed the disciplinary management he anticipates for the match against Benfica.

Refereeing was one of the topics the Italian coach brought up in preparation for the classic, following recent controversies, 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 towards referee João Pinheiro. The pressure of a decisive game for the Eagles combines with the proactive profile of the Argentine international, who asserts himself at critical moments and provokes irritation among opponents.

Regarding the attitude of Sporting’s Danish player – already the target of criticism from José Mourinho – Farioli did not hide his displeasure. “Hjulmand pressures the referee at every moment. It’s embarrassing to watch, but it is what it is,” he said.

With Benfica on the horizon, facts such as Otamendi’s sending off for dissent in the Allianz Cup in Leiria, and how criticism of that decision might influence Pinheiro at Luz, were discussed at the Olival training center. That double yellow, shown in stoppage time, prevented the veteran from playing at the Dragão in the Portuguese Cup; even so, 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 the Porto side. Captain Diogo Costa and vice-captain Alan Varela – the latter being the most present voice of the blue and whites with the referee – will play a decisive role in marking Otamendi. Therefore, a tug-of-war is expected, in keeping 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.