Farioli on Prestianni, Rio Ave and the team's goal drought | OneFootball

Rio Ave is going through a delicate period and, minutes before an important match against Moreirense, coach Francesco Farioli shared his perspective on the club’s current situation and his expectations for the game. His statements combine pragmatism with optimism, essential traits for managing the pressure on the team.

Farioli began by analyzing the team’s collective performance, emphasizing that despite recent difficulties, attention should be focused on their own performance and not on the opponent’s condition. “We already had a bad experience with Casa Pia, who were also not in a good moment and then managed to put in an excellent performance. So, I believe that definitely should not be our focus. We have to focus on ourselves, on how we need to approach the game, with the maximum possible intensity,” said the coach. This strategic stance is crucial, reminding everyone that the past does not count and that each match offers a new opportunity.

The coach showed he was attentive to possible tactical changes from Moreirense, pointing out changes in the defensive line that could influence the game’s setup. “They already did it in the game against Moreirense: they went from a three-man defense to a four-man defense,” Farioli explained. That versatility forces his team to be prepared to adapt and react accordingly.

Beyond the focus on football, Farioli mentioned a recent experience attending a classic roller hockey match, a sport which, in his words, shares some tactical parallels with futsal. “Watching it live is completely different. The intensity, the contacts, and some interesting tactical aspects… It was, without a doubt, an excellent experience,” he highlighted, stressing the usefulness of learning from other sports to enrich his own work.

The conversation eventually turned to Rio Ave’s vulnerability against FC Porto, a highly capable opponent. Farioli made it clear he would not underestimate his rival. “In a single match, it’s not the shirt that wins the game. I’ll state the obvious, but the game starts 0-0. We’re facing a team that, for sure, has prepared in the best way to come and play here,” he said, reinforcing that determination and the will to win are crucial factors.

The coach also addressed the controversy surrounding the Prestianni case, a topic that sparked numerous comments and analyses. “Definitely, I’m not here to give a lesson or a masterclass on the subject,” he said, before mentioning his vast international experience, which gives him a particular perspective on the matter. Farioli seems aware of the possible consequences of this episode for national football.

In this context, Rio Ave will have to draw on their inner strength and resilience to overcome this difficult phase and show that, even in the face of adversity, the will to fight and the ability to adapt can produce positive results. With Farioli at the helm, there is a tangible hope for recovery.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.