"We have to turn things around and get back to winning ways"

Analyzing the game and Benfica's result at Casa Pia (3-1 defeat) on Matchday 19 of the Liga Betclic,  Otamendi said: "Unfortunately, today we didn't manage to do something we usually do, which is play football, try to create situations, try to score and make a difference in the result. In the 2nd half, we weren't what we need to be."

Speaking to Sport TV on Saturday evening, January 25, at the Estádio Municipal de Rio Maior, Otamendi gave his assessment of what happened on the pitch.

"I believe that, individually, everyone has to be responsible for their performance. It's time to analyze. The defeats hurt, but we have to look ahead to the next match [Juventus-Benfica]. Unfortunately, today we didn't manage to do something we usually do, which is play football, try to create situations, try to score, and make a difference in the result. In the 2nd half, we weren't what we need to be," he said.

"Creativity and the desire to win are fundamental parts of a player and a team, and I think that today, as much as we tried to chase the result, we couldn't play our game," he concluded.

Looking ahead to the clash with Juventus - the 8th and final match of the Champions League group stage, on Wednesday, January 29, at 8pm in Italy - the Argentine international stressed Benfica's intention to respond.

"[Fan dissatisfaction] They're absolutely right. Today, we weren't the team that wants to win the league. To do that, we have to win both at home and away. We're sorry, but we have to look forward. On Wednesday we have an important game in the Champions League, and we have to turn things around and get back to winning ways," he said.