“Mourinho talks about Otamendi’s future and Benfica’s central defenders.”

In a constantly evolving football landscape, Jorge Jesus, coach of Benfica, drops a bombshell regarding the future of the Eagles’ central defenders, in an explosive preview for the clash against Casa Pia, set to take place this Monday at 20:45, in a match of the 28th round of the Portuguese League. The Portuguese coach leaves no room for doubt: Benfica is prepared to handle the potential departure of Nicolás Otamendi, a figure who has been a pillar of the Benfica defense, but whose future remains uncertain.

Jesus is categorical in stating that the “if” does not exist when discussing Otamendi’s exit. “Either he leaves or he doesn’t. If he leaves or if he doesn’t, at this moment it does not exist,” he asserts, emphasizing that the decision lies more in the player’s hands than in the club’s. However, the coach reassures the Benfica supporters: the club has two young and promising central defenders, António Silva and Tomás Araújo, players who already have experience with the national team and have worn the captain’s armband in the absence of the main captain. “I have the utmost confidence in them,” Jesus guarantees, reinforcing that these two athletes provide assurances for the immediate future of the Benfica defense. However, he acknowledges that if Otamendi departs, the club will need to strengthen the defensive sector with signings that match the quality and leadership of the Argentine.

When asked about the future of young talents António Silva and Tomás Araújo, Jorge Jesus responds without hesitation: “Of course. Both have contracts and are important for Benfica.” The coach emphasizes that, as a manager, he wants to keep the best players in the squad and that both the president and the sporting director, Mário Branco, share this vision. However, Jesus is realistic and admits that the current market is not like that of past decades: “If we eventually find ourselves in a situation in the market where Benfica has or wants to sell a player, whom I consider important to keep, it won’t be a drama. I will have to accept it and then try to organize myself in another way.” This statement reveals that Benfica is aware of the financial and strategic challenges that modern football imposes.

With these statements, Jorge Jesus presents himself as a strategist prepared for the future, far from the illusions of the past, ready to adapt to any scenario, but firm in his confidence in the young talents of the Benfica defense. The match against Casa Pia will therefore be an important test for the Benfica defense and for the coach’s ability to manage a team that may undergo unexpected changes, but has a solid foundation to continue fighting for titles. Benfica fans have reasons to believe that, even without Otamendi, the defensive line will be in good hands – but the market promises to be lively, and the coming months will be decisive for the club’s future in the Primeira Liga.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.