Farioli hails Gabri Veiga’s display: “He’s played at this level before” | OneFootball

FC Porto achieved their third victory in the regular phase of the Europa League this Thursday by defeating Nice 3-0 at the Dragão. At the end of the match, Francesco Farioli, the coach of the blues and whites, praised his team's “very good” first half and explained why, after the first goal, he continued to tell the players that the score was 0-0.

Was it easier than you expected? “It was not easy at all. Of course, the early goal helped us steer the game in the right direction. The first half was very good, we hardly conceded any chances against a team that has dangerous players even on the counterattack. I think it was a very good first half. In the second, we had less passing efficiency, we had less possession, but still, we didn't concede much. It was good to play another good game, not to concede goals again, and now it's time to prepare for the game against Estoril.”

Before the game, you warned your players about Nice's quality. Today, was it important to stay very focused? “Being focused, concentrated at all times is the key in football. Of course, the 1-0 helped us, but I kept saying it was 0-0 because it's important not to switch off. We had to keep our minds focused, the desire to score another goal, and in that, we did well. Gabri's performance, with two goals, was very good, the assist that led to Samu's penalty... Of course, there's always room for improvement, things we could have done better to get further ahead. But now it's time to switch the 'chip' to the championship, the marathon continues.”

Gabri Veiga appeared alone several times. Was that trained? “We always expect some things, but players have to be there at the right moments, they have to seize the opportunities. His game today was very good, but it wasn't the first time he performed at this level. He has proven in other games who he is. With the ball, he made decisions with goals and assists, but the effort he has made for the team is very important.”

Deniz Gül as a winger... “He did well. It was important to win the penalty, he connected well with Gabri. He has to work because it's not his natural position, but he helped us.”

10 points and eyeing the top-8... “It's important to beat a team coming from a top-5 league. Now we will have three more games, two will be at the Dragão. I would like to thank the fans who almost filled the stadium in a game that started earlier. We will need them in this new cycle.”

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