Farioli dodges Santiago Giménez, but admits: “Deadline day is mad” | OneFootball

In the preview of the visit to Académico, Francesco Farioli did not go into detail about FC Porto’s possible signing of Santiago Giménez. Even so, the coach acknowledged the unpredictability that usually marks the final days of the transfer window, referred any possible updates to André Villas-Boas, and spoke about the options available in the squad, taking into account Samu’s recovery process. As for the current situation, he was blunt: “Today it’s the same thing.”

Speaking to journalists, Francesco Farioli stressed that certain decisions are up to the club and that, before the transfer window closes, it is difficult to guarantee anything. The FC Porto coach did not want to fuel rumours involving one specific player and preferred to address the situation pragmatically.

Asked about the possibility of Santiago Giménez joining FC Porto in the coming days, Farioli merely referred back to the comments previously made by president André Villas-Boas.

“The president [Villas-Boas] has already given an extensive answer on the situation. My only update [on the market] came after the president’s interview, given last night [to Canal 11]. Today it’s the same thing.”

With this stance, the coach shifted the focus away from the possible deal and prevented the preview of the match against Académico from being centred on a transfer-market matter. Farioli did not confirm any change, but he also did not rule out the possibility that the situation could develop.

Regarding the options made up of Samu, André Silva and Gül, the coach first clarified Samu’s physical condition before explaining the criteria that guide the makeup of the team.

“Samu will take a few more weeks to return from injury. Building a squad is like putting together a puzzle that works,” he explained. “Sometimes we think one player replaces another; sometimes we need a player who can play in different positions. Internally, everything is very clear. What we manage to do will depend on many circumstances. The final days of the transfer window are crazy, a lot can happen.”

For Farioli, squad building is not just about replacing players, but about combining characteristics, versatility and the circumstances of each moment. If there is a clear idea internally, the external context remains subject to the instability typical of the final days of the transfer window.

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