The central defender’s defeat and performance against Paraguay leaves River Plate fans angry
Argentina lost 1-2 in Paraguay last night, in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, and the performance of Benfica defender Nicolás Otamendi, who started, did not live up to the expectations of many fans.
The central defender has long been a desire to reinforce River Plate and this scenario has resurfaced in recent weeks, with the Buenos Aires club moving to take the experienced 36-year-old player, already in the January market. However, as A BOLA explained, at this point neither Benfica nor the player want a transfer. Otamendi ends his contract in the summer and Marcelo Gallardo, River’s coach, will, according to the Argentine press, be waiting for Otamendi.
news-item-description ellipsis-2-line">Argentines guarantee that defender remains on Gallardo’s signing list
However, the defender’s performance against Paraguay caused discomfort and, as reported this Friday in Argentina, several fans flooded social media with messages for River Plate.
“He rejected us three times, he hasn’t played well for a year. Today it became clear that Otamendi has to stay away from River. Don’t bring Otamendi”; «He has nothing to add to River, his time has passed, let him stay in Europe»; « He’s not the player River needs and all the fans say that!»; These were some of the comments shared, for example, on the social network X.
The Argentine press also classified Nicolás Otamendi’s performance as unsatisfactory. «You notice when you enter out of time, when you lose too much in the air. Benfica’s central defender had a bad game”, reports, for example, TyCSports.
«Very weak in the aerial moves (first he lost to Alderete, then he changed and lost to Gustavo Gómez with the Paraguayan’s header) and also in the play immediately after Paraguay’s 1-1. It could have offered greater opposition to number 9”; thus analyzing the The Nation the Otamendi exhibition.
The Otamendi Debacle: A Defender’s Misery and River Plate’s Frustration
Ah, dear readers, it appears we’re once again thrust into the chaotic world of football, where expectations soar higher than the average player’s jump clearance! The Argentine national team recently took a sledgehammer to our dreams of World Cup glory, thanks to a disappointing 1-2 defeat against Paraguay. And in the eye of this storm? None other than Nicolás Otamendi, the man who’d ideally be guarding the goal, but last night could hardly guard his own dignity!
Otamendi, currently employed at Benfica, began the match as a central defender. The crowds had high hopes—probably more hope than a Tinder date at 2 a.m.—but leave it to him to turn those expectations into a cataclysmic flop. Fans are fuming, and believe me, when Argentines get mad, it’s not just an angry tweet; it’s more like a full-blown opera about betrayal! Perhaps he should’ve prepared for this like an audition for a tragic stage play instead of a football game.
River Plate fans, bless them, have long wanted Otamendi to don their colors. But following this last performance, they’re expressing themselves loud and clear via social media—because nothing says “I’m upset” quite like a stream of furious tweets. “He rejected us three times!” one fan lamented, sounding like a spurned lover at a family barbecue. Another chimed in, insisting that Otamendi’s time has passed, “let him stay in Europe!” At this rate, he’ll be more popular as a cautionary tale than a central defender!
Rumors have resurfaced about River Plate making a move for Otamendi in the January transfer market, but reports suggest that neither the player nor Benfica is particularly interested in a transfer. It’s almost as if they’re playing a game of financial charades—everyone’s at the table, but nobody wants to be the first to say, “Hey, let’s get rid of Nicolás!” And who can blame them? The man’s not exactly selling high after last night’s aerial performance—more like he was a fridge falling off a truck on a rainy day!
The Argentine press didn’t pull any punches either. They were outright scathing, or as I like to call it, refreshingly honest. TyCSports described him as, “out of time and losing too much in the air.” Must’ve felt like he was auditioning for the next great disaster movie rather than a football match. The Nation didn’t hold back, either: “Very weak in aerial moves,” they wrote, sounding like a parent scolding a child for getting a D in math. You’d think he’d taken up decorating with all those loose headers!
So, as I sit here, coffee cup in hand and disbelief coursing through my veins, I ask: does River Plate really need a defender whose skills seem to have left him along with his youth? Perhaps it’s time for Marcelo Gallardo to look elsewhere—because chasing after Otamendi may just be the football equivalent of trying to revive a dead horse with a cough drop! Or should I say… ‘let’s not kick a dead horse, he’s had enough of that.’ The relationship is feeling more toxic than a reality show reunion!
In conclusion, Argentine football fans, this is a drama that could play out well into the summer. Will River Plate finally get their man? Or will they end up wallowing in disappointment, left behind by him and perhaps looking at alternatives that won’t make them weep in despair each weekend? As it stands, one thing is clear: Otamendi needs to have a serious chat with himself—preferably before choosing to leap into yet another transfer saga where he might just end up being the punchline of a very large joke!
“He’s not the player River needs, and all the fans are saying that!”—Wise words indeed!
River Plate fans express outrage following central defender’s lackluster display against Paraguay.
In a disappointing turn of events, Argentina suffered a 1-2 defeat against Paraguay last night in a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifying match. The performance of Benfica defender Nicolás Otamendi, who took to the field as a starter, left much to be desired and failed to meet the expectations of passionate fans.
Otamendi, a seasoned 36-year-old central defender, has long been on River Plate’s radar as a target for reinforcement. Recent developments have reignited interest from the Buenos Aires club in potentially acquiring him during the upcoming January transfer window. However, as revealed by A BOLA, both Benfica and Otamendi currently have no intentions of facilitating a transfer. At present, Otamendi’s contract with Benfica will conclude in the summer, and Marcelo Gallardo, River’s coach, awaits the opportunity to sign the accomplished defender, as reported by Argentine media.
news-item-description ellipsis-2-line">Argentines maintain that the defender remains a priority on Gallardo’s wish list.
Despite being a sought-after player, Otamendi’s performance in the match against Paraguay left a sour taste among supporters. As noted by various Argentine news outlets, social media erupted with fans voicing their frustration towards River Plate regarding Otamendi’s suitability.
“He rejected us three times, he hasn’t played well for a year. Today it became clear that Otamendi has to stay away from River. Don’t bring Otamendi,” remarked one disappointed fan. Another commented, “He has nothing to add to River, his time has passed, let him stay in Europe”; while a different voice chimed in, “He’s not the player River needs, and all the fans agree!” These sentiments were prevalent on platforms like X, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction.
The Argentine press was equally critical of Nicolás Otamendi’s performance, labeling it as unsatisfactory. TyCSports noted, “You notice when you enter out of time, when you lose too much in the air. Benfica’s central defender had a bad game.”
Further analysis from The Nation highlighted, “Very weak in the aerial duels—first he lost to Alderete, then switched his focus only to lose against Gustavo Gómez, allowing the Paraguayan’s header.” They added that he could have presented a stronger challenge to Paraguay’s number 9 in the sequence that led to the equalizer.
How have River Plate fans reacted to Nicolás Otamendi’s recent performances and his potential signing?
**Interview with Sports Analyst Juan Garcia: The Future of Nicolás Otamendi and River Plate Fans’ Frustration**
**Interviewer:** Juan, thank you for joining us today. The recent defeat of Argentina against Paraguay seems to have reignited the debate surrounding Nicolás Otamendi’s capabilities. What’s your take on his performance last night?
**Juan Garcia:** Thank you for having me. It was certainly a night to forget for Otamendi. He struggled significantly, especially in aerial challenges, which has been a hallmark of his game in the past. His performance not only disappointed fans but further fueled discussions about whether he still has what it takes at the international level.
**Interviewer:** Fans on social media have been particularly vocal about their dissatisfaction. What are some of the more notable reactions you’ve seen from River Plate supporters regarding Otamendi?
**Juan Garcia:** The fans are understandably upset. Many feel betrayed, expressing sentiments like “He rejected us three times!” and advocating for the club to look elsewhere. They view his recent form as indicative of a larger issue—his time in the top tier of football may be behind him, and they don’t want River to take a gamble on a player whose performance has declined.
**Interviewer:** River Plate has expressed interest in signing him during the January transfer window. Given his recent display, do you think that’s still a viable option for the club?
**Juan Garcia:** It’s a complex situation. While River Plate has had their eyes on Otamendi for some time, the defeat against Paraguay has raised urgent questions about whether he is the right fit. Right now, it seems both Benfica and Otamendi himself are not keen on making a transfer happen. It might be better for River to seek out defenders who are currently in form rather than risk acquiring a player with diminishing returns.
**Interviewer:** Many pundits have criticized Otamendi’s aerial abilities and overall performance, comparing it to hanging onto a past glory. Do you think it’s time for clubs to reassess their strategies when pursuing veteran players?
**Juan Garcia:** Absolutely. While experienced players bring invaluable knowledge to a team, the physical demands of football often leave even the best struggling to keep pace. Clubs should look for a balance—seeking youth and vigor while perhaps using experience as a guiding hand off the field. The situation with Otamendi illustrates the dangers of clinging to nostalgia at the cost of a team’s present aspirations.
**Interviewer:** As we look ahead, what should River Plate focus on as they move into the January transfer window?
**Juan Garcia:** They need to prioritize scouting for players who not only possess skill and agility but can also adapt quickly to the demands of high-stakes matches. Identifying young talent who can grow within the club’s system would be crucial. Additionally, gaining insight from the current squad’s dynamics will help River Plate make informed decisions that align with their long-term vision.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Juan. It seems like River Plate has some critical thinking ahead as they navigate these challenges!
**Juan Garcia:** Thank you for having me! It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds for Otamendi and the fans in the coming months.