Everything Nicolás Otamendi said ahead of Benfica v Real Madrid 👀 | OneFootball

Nicolás Otamendi set the tone for the clash with Real Madrid. Present at the press conference, previewing the match, the captain of Benfica, present at the training, considers it to be a tough match, however, he believes that the team will be able to respond accordingly against the merengues.

Have you told José Mourinho if you will continue at Benfica? "I am a person who lives for the club, in training I try to give my best, to be an example for the younger players, the demand on a player with experience has to be an example for the younger ones. Getting here is easy, maintaining it is the hardest part. We talk with the coach about life in personal terms, we are living a moment that requires maximum concentration. My mind is on living day by day."

Benfica Ultras at Benfica Campus and the monumental booing at the Bernabéu to Real Madrid... "The fans live the same way we have to live. They have the right to support and demand because it is one of the best clubs in the world. The demand is important for the players. That is the most important thing. Everyone has to overcome them by giving their best so that what is done during the week can be reflected in the game."

Benfica needs to win and there needs to be a combination of results. How do you look at the math? Do you want to continue at Benfica? "We are aware of the result we need to have, the victory, and depend on other results. First is to have concentration and win the game and wait. Stay? As I said, my mind is on the day-to-day. The concentration is on tomorrow's game."

You faced Mbappé in the World Cup final. Is there a specific plan to stop him? How do you maintain yourself? "They are players with great characteristics, Real Madrid has such players in all lines. But Real Madrid is not just one player. It has to be a perfect game both offensively and defensively. Be a compact team. We hope things go in the best way. Personally, I am a very objective person, I always try to have this professionalism at all times. The basis of having a good performance is taking care of ourselves, training well, and having that discipline to give our best in every game."

José Mourinho has already said that the center-back position gives him the least headaches. Is it the same to play with António Silva or Tomás Araújo? "Both Tomás and António - and Gonçalo too - are players with a lot of quality, they are from the academy, they have knowledge of the club. They have different characteristics but are experienced. They also teach me."

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