Farioli: "Early goal set us on the right track" | OneFootball

Match Evaluation

«Easier? Not at all. Of course, the early goal helped to steer the game in the right direction. I think the performance afterwards, especially in the first half, was very good. We conceded almost nothing against a team that, up front, has the quality to be dangerous on the counterattack or in some combinations. Therefore, I think it was very well played, especially in the first half. In the second half, I think we dropped a bit in ball possession, the passing accuracy went down a bit. And that opened the game for some 'dirty' moments that could have cost us a goal, even though we didn't concede much. Therefore, it's good to have positive results, another clean sheet. And, above all, the opportunity now to quickly switch gears to prepare for Estoril, who will be our next opponent here at the Dragão in 72 hours.»

Message to the Players

«Yes, I think this part of being connected, focused, attentive at every moment is essential in football in general. Of course, the 1-0 goal helped to put the game in the right direction. But repeating that it was 0-0, because only a minute had passed... If you disconnect after that, sometimes it's hard to find the light again. So it was important to keep the mind sharp, the desire to score the second goal as soon as possible, if it was possible. And I think we did well in that. Of course, Gabri's performance today was top-notch: two goals, the assist that led to the penalty for Samu. So, I think there were many good things and there are always areas to improve. Ball management in the second half, some moments where we could have better exploited the space ahead. Now it's time to turn the page, switch gears to the League, because our marathon continues.»

Gabri Veiga's Role

«Of course, we expect certain things, but then it always depends on the players being there when the moment arises. And making the right decision, seizing the opportunity. I think Gabri's game today was really very good. It's not the first game where we've seen him at this level. I have in mind other games where he has already shown who he is with the ball, deciding with goals or assists. But also for the effort he makes for the team. That is very good and very important for us.»

Praise for Deniz Gül

«I think he did well. His contribution was crucial in the penalty action. He connected well with Gabri and that led us to the open field situation. So, I think he did well. Of course, he needs to work, because it's not his natural position. But I think he gave us the contribution we were looking for.»

Ten Points at the End of the Group Stage

«It's important to win against a team coming from a top-5 league. Now we will have three more games, two of them here at the Dragão. As I mentioned in the previous interview, I really want to thank the fans. Even with the early start of the game, they left the stadium practically full. We need them and we will need them in this new block with many home games.»

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