#benfica

#benfica

According to a recent report from A Bola, Jose Mourinho has personally stepped in after learning of FC Barcelona's interest in Nicolas Otamendi. The Portuguese coach has urged Benfica to move quickly and secure the Argentine defender's future with a contract renewal. The report suggests that Mourinho and Benfica president Rui Costa are fully aligned on the issue. Both believe that Otamendi remains far too important to lose, especially to a direct European rival like Barcelona.

There is always a debt. There is always a debt, especially when, at times, it may seem that the team's attitude is not consistent with the love of millions of Benfica fans.

Bayern Munich are not expected to be busy in the winter transfer window. Christoph Freund recently admitted that the squad is well-equipped to compete on all fronts this season, and the return of injured players like Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala will further strengthen Vincent Kompany's team. Even though there is a good chance of no incomings in the winter, there are a couple of players in the squad who will attract interest from clubs due to their contract situation.

Barcelona's famed La Masia academy is known to be one of the very best in the world and has churned out dozens of stars such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and now Lamine Yamal. However, a new study has ranked La Masia only in second place when it comes to the best academies in the world, with Benfica finishing top of the pile.

In January 2011, as part of a deal that saw David Luiz move to Chelsea, Matic left for Benfica. In Portugal, Matic transformed into a formidable no.6. Under the guidance of manager Jorge Jesus, he was converted from a playmaker, and he was awarded the Primeira Liga Player of the Year for his performances during the 2012/13 season, also winning the Taca da Liga and the Primeira Liga with the Eagles.

"It will be a privilege to play against him. It is a historic moment for Benfica and we are motivated to be part of it and to be in this game. But the match starts 0-0 and we want to show our best version. The coach, the players... This is the only way we can bring something from this game."