Felipe: "FC Porto and the fans are close to my heart" | OneFootball

Later on (8:00 PM, Sport TV5), at the City Ground, with “a really intense atmosphere” where “it’s very difficult to play,” FC Porto will face Nottingham Forest in the third round of the Europa League group stage. Felipe, who played for both clubs, predicts “a great match” between “two gigantic clubs” with “very passionate fans.”

From his visit to Estádio do Dragão at the start of the season, he remembers “the warmth of the fans” and is convinced that there is “plenty of room to grow until the end of the year” in a team he describes as “light and intense.” The former center-back advises the players to “rest at home, stay well hydrated, and manage their effort,” reminding that “playing every three days is very tough” and puts “the body under constant stress.”

In statements published in the Travel Guide for partners who traveled on the FC Porto delegation’s plane, Felipe assures that he has “FC Porto and its fans in his heart” and highlights that “Nottingham Forest has grown steadily in recent years and is a strong and robust team,” also pointing out key opponents: “Igor Jesus is very versatile in his movement and combines well with Gibbs-White, who needs no introduction as he is the team’s pillar, floats in the final third, is intelligent, and helps with marking.”

You attended the presentation match against Atlético de Madrid. What impressed you the most?Although it was pre-season and the typical fatigue of that period was evident, Felipe considered the match very dynamic. He highlighted the coordination among the players, even with several new faces, and praised the way FC Porto managed possession against a team with great defensive solidity. He reinforced the idea that there is “plenty of room to grow until the end of the year.”

You received the affection of the FC Porto fans. How did that bond form?Felipe describes receiving the recognition of the fans as special, the result of a positive journey at FC Porto. It was his first European club, allowed him to reach the national team, and fulfill personal dreams. The player says he holds the Club close to his heart and values the experience of representing such a “gigantic” institution.

FC Porto started their European campaign with a win in Salzburg. How did you analyze that match?He acknowledged the difficulty of the match, which is common in the Europa League, and praised the importance of the decisive move by William Gomes, whom he calls the “slap” that secured the victory, underlining the emotion of the team celebrations.

With such a demanding schedule, how can players perform at their best playing every three days?Felipe insists that “playing every three days is very tough.” The body accumulates stress and needs almost two days to recover; therefore, he called for the players’ intelligence in managing their mindset, nutrition, and hydration. He also highlighted the importance of squad rotation by coaches and the recovery resources provided by the Club.

FC Porto has a reputation for growing in international competitions. What’s the secret?For Felipe, this trait is rooted in the Club: even without direct experience in the Europa League, he recognizes that FC Porto always brings intensity, individual quality, and a winning culture passed down by fans and the coaching staff. The combination of light, talented players and passionate fans explains their performances in continental competitions.

You know Nottingham Forest well. How do you see the opponent’s current form?Nottingham has shown sustained growth in recent years, with several signings and internal adjustments. Felipe considers the squad strong and robust—a requirement of the Premier League—and notes that, despite the departure of key players, the club continues to solidify itself.

How much impact will the City Ground atmosphere have?The former player describes the City Ground as a stadium with “a really intense atmosphere.” He recalls accounts from colleagues in the Premier League about how difficult it is to play there, due to the fans’ devotion and the covered stands, which amplify the noise. He expects a sold-out crowd and a hostile environment for visiting teams.

The Nottingham squad still includes several of your former teammates. Is that chemistry important?Felipe says that keeping pillars like Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Neco Williams was crucial for building stability. The newer players integrate more easily thanks to the support of these players, which helps the club consolidate itself in the English elite.

In defense, Murillo has been important. How do you anticipate the duel with FC Porto’s forwards?He predicts a physical and intense clash: he describes Murillo as “a bull” and compares the robustness of the opposing attackers—including Samu, Deniz Gül, and Luuk de Jong—making the match interesting from a physical standpoint.

Igor Jesus and William Gomes stood out at the start of the Europa League. Can they make the difference?Felipe praises Igor Jesus’s performance for his versatility and connection with Gibbs-White, and highlights the decisive role of William Gomes in Porto’s victory, also valuing the presence of Brazilian players shining in European competitions.

You spoke with Willy Boly at Forest. Were there conversations about FC Porto?He remembers him as a great teammate who welcomed him when he arrived in England. The two used to comment on FC Porto matches, maintaining a bond that Felipe cherishes as part of the Club’s legacy.

What are the differences and similarities between Nottingham Forest and FC Porto?There are notable differences mainly in playing style: Nottingham relies on a strong physical component and is still defining its identity, while FC Porto prioritizes possession, intensity, and patience. In common, they have significant European histories: both have won the Champions League twice and are traditional clubs with passionate fans and a consolidated legacy.

Founded in 1865, Nottingham Forest is one of the oldest football clubs in the world. Felipe believes that, despite a period of stagnation, the club has been reborn in recent years, regaining its stature in the Premier League and strengthening its tradition and fan base for future challenges.

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