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 addressed 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 replied without hesitation: "It's with Benfica."

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"It's often said that the Hajduk jersey is heavy, and I would say that FC Porto's is very similar. Although I haven't felt much pressure yet, since we haven't had any defeats in the league, only in the Europa League, I know the demands here are very 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 fans.

Prpic acknowledged the rivalry with Benfica as one of the great chapters of football in Portugal, 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 that the passion is equally intense, and that makes all the difference in our performance." With FC Porto at the top of the standings, Prpic praised the team's start: "We had an excellent start, with ten wins and a draw against Benfica. We are 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 is always attentive, and when he notices that we lower the pace, he makes sure to motivate us immediately." Regarding the Italian coach, Prpic was clear in his appreciation: "I only have praise for the coach. He gave me an opportunity, I see that he values me a lot and believes in me, and I am very grateful for that. I have to keep working and wait for my opportunity… 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 have."

The player also described how the transfer unfolded: "I was with Hajduk, in a training camp in Slovenia, when the FC Porto officials presented me with a plan that I really liked. I accepted the proposal immediately. Everything happened very quickly, and I am very happy to play for a European giant. I enjoy 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's museum so that we, those who didn't grow up in the academy, could learn about the rich history of FC Porto. That's when they asked me about Tomislav Ivic. Of course, I knew who he was and the profound mark he left both at Hajduk and here in Porto," he revealed, excited.

Regarding his adaptation 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 field, order food in a restaurant, and find my way on the street. I think learning the language is a way to show respect for the place where we are."

With a five-year contract and a release clause set at 60 million euros, Prpic confessed to being surprised but valued the club's investment: "I was surprised when I heard about the clause, but that 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 stated.

Regarding the competition in the central defense position, he was optimistic: "We have players with a lot of experience, like Jakub Kiwior and Jan Bednarek, but both have been very fair with me. I believe that with hard work, I can earn my place."

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