The Benfica coach has shown interest in renewing the contract of his world champion.
The 34-year-old centre-back, who recently won the World Cup with Argentina, sees his current contract with Benfica expire in June next year, and his coach wants him to stay longer.
Roger Schmidt wants Otamendi to stay
The Benfica coach was speaking at a press conference prior to Benfica’s next match against Braga, where he confessed that he would like Otamendi and Alex Grimaldo to renew their contracts.
“I hope, of course, that they sign new contracts and that our players stay because they are key players for us,” said Roger Schmidt.
Of course, we want to keep these players and the club is working on that.”
Why does Benfica want to renew Otamendi’s contract?
Benfica are currently the league leaders in Portugal, and their staunch defense led by Otamendi is a key factor.
Benfica have only conceded six goals in the 12 league games that Otamendi has started this season.
His Champions League performances also helped Benfica finish top of a group that included Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
If all that hadn’t put him in consideration for contract renewal, his monstrous World Cup performance that earned him a place in the pulse sports team of the tournament would have done it.
Otamendi was the only player unchanged from the baseline in all seven games Argentina played in the tournament.
He doesn’t seem to be slowing down with age, and he doesn’t seem fazed by the number of games.
