Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi has been forced to face the press amid a crisis for River Plate.
The veteran defender left Benfica this summer, heading back home to River Plate.
Before that he lost the World Cup final with Argentina against Spain, and was one of many players to loose their heads at full-time.
Another, Leandro Paredes, got straight to work with Boca Juniors, and Otamendi has done the same.
Things get even worse for Otamendi
However, including the World Cup final he’s now on a five-game losing run.
Speaking after a Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 match was postponed, Otamendi used the pause to speak up.
“The postponement was good for us to try and connect, get the team together, and get out of this situation,” he said.
“It’s a difficult situation, but we have to face it head-on, try to improve, and get the results, which is the most important thing.
“We have the mentality and the confidence that we’re going to turn this situation around; the important thing is to work hard.”
Otamendi’s poor 2026 continues back home
Otamendi was part of Jose Mourinho’s Benfica side that remarkably became the first Primeira Liga side to go unbeaten and still finish third.
The veteran ended the season trophyless and also disgraced himself against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
After Kylian Mbappe alleged that Gianluca Prestianni had racially abused Vinicius Jr, Otamendi went to mock the forward, showing him a World Cup tattoo.
Responding to the scenes, AS editor Tomas Roncero said: “For me, many people have been exposed. Prestianni has been exposed, but so has Otamendi,” he said.
“He’s made me very nervous. He’s complicit, and therefore, I consider him a racist because whoever laughs at a racist’s jokes is both complicit and racist.
“Otamendi is a racist, and even more dangerous because he’s a veteran.
“I’m at an age where I know exactly who’s worth it and who isn’t.
“Otamendi isn’t someone who behaves like a decent human being, someone who can’t claim to be a good guy.
“In life, you have to be a good guy through your actions, not what your friends tell you.
“What this man did on the field was strut around after what happened with Prestianni, and on top of that, he acted like a bully, saying, ‘Want more?’
“On top of everything, he takes off his shirt to further provoke Vinicius, showing off the World Cup.
“What you have to do with those people is point them out and tell them that you’re also guilty. It’s repulsive.”
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