Otamendi: Even the best soap operas end someday

Every time I'm asked about Otamendi, I'm as clear as possible. The Argentine's cycle at Benfica ended two seasons ago, and each time Rui Costa shrugs and signs off on his continued presence, it hinders the development of the defensive sector. Even the best soap operas eventually conclude. This one, however, has a poor script and terrible performances. And in saying this, I know the first thing Benfica's management will do is fight to keep him. Because in the president's office, the focus is primarily short-term; no one ever takes a step back to see the complete picture. The big picture.

If Otamendi stays, he'll be a starter. No coach, and it's already proven that Mourinho won't either – because he also thinks in the immediate – will bench him. He's been the weakest link for a long time, yet he always plays. Here, there's still the justification of Tomás Araújo's physical condition, managed with kid gloves since last season due to a pubalgia. However, when options are limited, resorting to Barrenechea instead of a Seixal academy product, who knows the position better, is always more practical for the most 'special' of Portuguese coaches. The same one who claims to back youth but is always the first to doubt it.

By consistently playing, the 38-year-old Argentine, in turn, blocks the utilization of either António or Tomás, and prevents those playing alongside him from finally asserting themselves as the defensive leader. You might argue there's no one else with his charisma, but don't confuse the emotional fragility of someone who endured a difficult season and had to rebuild almost alone with a lack of willingness to embrace the moment and the weight of the jersey. He was always available, even when battling himself.

In the name of experience, others, already more than mature at 22 and 23, after almost 200 serious games (combining B team, Gil Vicente, and National Team appearances), are prevented from finally evolving into what is expected of them. Forget the ridiculous argument of 'another year of maturation.' It's as if we're dealing with newly arrived juniors.

Because Tomás is better, the coaches have made the more natural choice. And with that, an important asset like António will never be valued as he should be, with only one more season left on his contract. Which is almost like saying that, to have Otamendi and Tomás, the club abandoned the path it had laid out for him, and doubt has settled in his mind.

If you wish, you can argue there's still time to renew. But how many clubs haven't already sounded him out and will continue to do so? Benfica has two transfer windows to avoid losing him for free. Someone who, while not perfect, with continued specific work, could become a major reference for years to come. This is almost criminal management.

Otamendi's continued presence also prevents having a left-footed player in the central defensive build-up. The Argentine is far from progressive with his right-footed passes, and even worse with his left, even if he occasionally has his moments. Nico wasn't built for this, even if he's improved somewhat during his time with Guardiola. And what does that mean? That the team is more easily pressed. Any solution that isn't a long ball forward, and even then, the finishing of his teammates is superior, has better interpreters in António and Tomás. After that, yes, new signings are needed. It was already urgent last summer. And the summer before that. Or perhaps, they need to assess if there are suitable candidates within the Seixal academy.

Using the argument of experience, Benfica avoided addressing a sector that has long needed renewal, stifled the footballing and mental growth of its own youth products, saw perhaps its greatest asset devalue to the point of being vulnerable in his final contract year, and builds from the back in an unbalanced way, making itself more susceptible to opponent pressure. I'm not saying Otamendi doesn't make important tackles or fight, but even in his leadership profile, he sometimes leaves something to be desired. More than using aggression to solve everything, one must be rational to make the right decisions.

Benfica no longer needs Otamendi as much as it thinks, though it hasn't realized it yet. However, they can't just replace him with anyone. A defensive upgrade has long been necessary, and even Trubin has made too many errors amidst some great saves. But it's more than that. The Otamendi saga reveals part of the club's fear of growing. Of returning to its true stature.

It's clear that José Mourinho will only not continue as Benfica's coach if he doesn't want to. Although the love triangle he's part of with Pedro Proença and Roberto Martínez could be a significant conditioning factor, everything suggests that the same fate awaits the Special One as Roger Schmidt and Bruno Lage experienced. Whether he survives the initial matchdays or not is another matter.

Judging by recent decisions, the coach seems to have rebalanced with a double pivot featuring Aursnes (perhaps the true captain) and Barreiro, Prestianni on the right, Sudakov in the middle, and Schjelderup on the left. Up front, Pavlidis. Mourinho stabilized here after Rafa and Lukebakio responded poorly to starting roles.

I'd even say this eleven would be ideal for integrating a creative midfielder behind Sudakov. Someone more associative, capable of complementing Aursnes – who lacks the ability to break lines with passes and progressive runs – and linking up with the attack. Someone who isn't Enzo, unless their name is Fernández or Pérez, Barreiro or Rios, that 27-million-euro question mark that will extend into next season. But does Mourinho want that midfielder? Does the coach want the team to dominate matches? Or is he once again thinking about physical dimension and afraid to change?

Will Benfica choose its own path or surrender entirely to the coach? Will it be 'Benfica à la Mourinho' or the Benfica that fans and members want it to be? So many years later, Rui Costa still hasn't answered the simplest and most important question of all: what is the direction, Mr. President?