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.
"Leo is Leo, the best player in soccer history," Otamendi said. "Right now, he's living in the moment. He's enjoying the Club World Cup. Leo's focus is on continuing to compete, taking it month by month and seeing how he feels."