Farioli: “Mora? I watched the match… I’m delighted with his debut” | OneFootball

Francesco Farioli looked ahead to the clash between FC Porto and Académico de Viseu, corresponding to the fourth round of the league, but also used the press conference to address other topics. The Italian coach commented on Rodrigo Mora’s debut for Roma, praised the way Borja reacted to a difficult personal period, and reinforced the principles he wants to maintain within the team. Speaking about Mora, he said: “I’m very happy about his debut for his new team.”

In the preview, Francesco Farioli once again defended an FC Porto side that is patient, hardworking, and faithful to its playing idea. The coach believes the team’s identity must remain intact, regardless of the pace or the degree of openness the opponent brings to the match.

One of the topics discussed was Rodrigo Mora’s first appearance in a Roma shirt. Farioli confirmed that he watched the match and did not hide his satisfaction with the player’s start at his new club.

“Yes, I watched the game, I think he did very well,” he said. “I’m very happy about his debut for his new team.”

The Porto coach offered a brief but clear assessment of Mora’s performance, above all valuing the start of his journey in a different environment.

Borja was another of the names mentioned during the session. Farioli recalled the personal difficulties the player went through in the second half of the season and chose to highlight not only his sporting contribution, but also the attitude he showed throughout that period.

“Borja is a player who, in the second part of the season, went through a very difficult situation. He is a fantastic person,” he stressed. “He works very hard, always with great respect for the club and his teammates. What he has been doing since we came back is remarkable. But above all, he kept that desire to help the team. I think it is one more proof that, when you work hard, you will receive what you deserve.”

In the coach’s view, Borja’s progress is the result of an attitude marked by dedication, respect, and commitment to the team. That same demanding approach is present in the way he analyses the different challenges posed by opponents.

Asked about the factors that can make a game more attractive for those watching, Farioli explained that the spectacle also depends on the opposing team’s strategy and the spaces it allows.

“Sometimes the game seems a bit more entertaining to watch because of the opponent’s approach. Arouca were more conservative in the opening minutes,” he analysed. “Then they changed their mind, started to open up some spaces that we were able to exploit very well. The game became a bit more entertaining to watch. In other games, when you come up against a team that defends really well, it is normal for the game to be a bit blocked.”

A lower-tempo match, according to the coach, should not automatically be associated with a lack of initiative. The opponent’s behaviour influences the course of the game, and it is up to FC Porto to stick to its plan and find solutions without giving up its principles.

As for the team’s identity, Farioli guaranteed that the direction is perfectly defined. Although he admits that some fans may prefer different approaches, the objective is to seek victory through controlled, patient, and coherent football.

“I can imagine that, sometimes, it would be better to watch different things. We are very clear about what we want to do,” he explained. “We are here to try to do everything to win games. We will do it our way, with control, with our identity. Attack in the right way, with patience, without going ‘crazy’ if we do not find an opportunity in the first 4 or 5 minutes.”

It is with that approach that FC Porto face the home match against Académico de Viseu: to look for the goal and the win, but always with balance and clarity. For Farioli, knowing how to wait is part of the model he wants to establish on the pitch.

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