João Manuel Pinto praises Thiago Silva’s leadership and experience | OneFootball

In the two most recent matches of FC Porto in 2026, the two already contracted winter reinforcements made their debut: Thiago Silva started in the matches against Benfica (Portuguese Cup) and Vitória SC (I Liga), while Oskar Pietuszewski came off the bench in the victory over the Vimaranenses, decisively influencing the result (0-1).

If the arrival of Thiago Silva strengthened the quality demonstrated by Bednarek and Kiwior throughout the season, the young Pole introduced a boldness capable of deciding matches, as happened in Guimarães.

In exclusive statements to Portal dos Dragões, João Manuel Pinto assessed the impact of these two reinforcements on the squad led by Francesco Farioli, highlighting the solidity that FC Porto has shown throughout the season.

“It's fantastic to see a player like Thiago with the experience he has. It's a great signing for the calmness and leadership he brings to the team. FC Porto was very smart in approaching a player with such history. From these two games, it was already clear the calmness the defense has. Thiago is a player who commands respect, experience, dynamics, and is a communicator. He is an excellent central defender. In Guimarães, it was a game with a lot of intensity,” said the former player, before reviewing what happened at Estádio D. Afonso Henriques.

“FC Porto knew they were facing a Vitória SC that had recently made history by winning the League Cup, a motivated and difficult opponent. Plus, it was in Guimarães, in front of their fans, perhaps the only ones in Portugal who are solely Vimaranenses and who are very passionate about their club. Vitória is always complicated, and we must not forget that FC Porto lost to them at home, they had beaten Sporting, and they won the League Cup against Sporting de Braga. FC Porto had to be at their best level, very intense and dynamic. It was an excellent game. It went FC Porto's way, but Vitória SC had one or two chances. It was a good game,” he emphasized.

João Manuel Pinto also commented on Oskar Pietuszewski's intervention, who came off the bench to provoke the penalty converted by Alan Varela and contribute to the expulsion of Telmo Arcanjo.

“He is a 17-year-old kid with a lot of talent. He will cause a lot of trouble. He will be, above all, a headache for his coach because he is another option. This says a lot about the signings FC Porto has made this season. A lot of quality with little name, except for Thiago Silva. The investment is bearing a lot of fruit, and that's why FC Porto is having a tremendous campaign, except for the draw with Benfica in the championship. It is the best team in the championship, intense and with a clear objective,” he stated.

Recognition of Villas-Boas' work and applause for Francesco Farioli

The former player also took the opportunity to praise the work done by president André Villas-Boas and coach Francesco Farioli.

“FC Porto has a person with a lot of experience in the football world, who is their president. The coach was surrounded by some doubts because of the work in previous years. Coming to the Portuguese championship after a failed season like FC Porto had in 2024/25 was a very strong test for whoever the coach was. Farioli took charge with quality, implementing his ideas, and the players put them into practice. He also had a renewal with all merit,” he stressed.

“FC Porto fans should be happy, while the players and the coach should be pleased. It is a campaign that will be even more difficult. FC Porto will always be a target because everyone wants to win against them. The question now is who will be the team to beat FC Porto. FC Porto has been an unbeatable team and knows what to expect game by game. And the message the president sends out is extremely positive. It has been an unmistakable support. Villas-Boas has been serious and calm. The club has been reborn again. In recent years, it has faced many difficulties, even logistical ones, and now its work is evident,” he concluded.

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