Farioli on Moreirense: “We open the round, we need the right spirit” | OneFootball

FC Porto host Moreirense in the opening match of the fourth round of the Primeira Liga. Francesco Farioli previewed the game at the Olival Training Centre, at a time when the Dragons have only wins and have yet to concede a goal this season.

«Moreirense are continuing the progress from last season, with a very attacking mindset, capable of creating advantages in various areas of the pitch and, from what we knew from last season and this one, they will require attention and the right mentality».

«Manchester City? There is nothing that distracts us from the game at the Dragão against Moreirense. We have always spoken about different books for different competitions and that will be the case this year. The focus will be on Moreirense. We are opening the round and we have to do it with the right mentality. I believe we are on the right path and have the right attitude for tomorrow’s game».

«Keeping the core of the squad? Continuing the work we have done is crucial. We know what the new expectations are, what I demand from the players, they know how I think, how I see football and day-to-day life at Olival. It makes things easier and creates a different speed in all processes. Spending a long time with the same people carries the risk of going on autopilot, but I do not think that is the case here. The group has the right spirit and hunger to go for more. That makes me happy. In the final days of the market we had some additions to the squad. The challenge is to integrate them, they come with different backgrounds and different rhythms. Souza had 45 minutes in pre-season, Santi has only had his first training sessions of the season in the last few days. The challenge is to bring everyone together to maximize the quality of each player and of the group. Between those who were already here and the new faces, there is a lot of work to do. We are going to start playing every three days, then there is the international break, and it will require a lot of work. It will require a lot of effort, patience and work from everyone involved».

«Assessment of the squad? It is far too early to make those comments. Some players arrived yesterday, not ready to play and not prepared for that. Up front, we have André, Samu coming back and Santiago, very experienced and someone who will contribute, but who comes from two difficult seasons and needs to recover his level and physical condition. The team always prioritizes intensity and fitness. One part is related to the players’ profile and another to their ability to give their maximum and their best. It will require patience and attention to detail, and it will be demanding across all the competitions we are involved in. The margins are minimal and every detail matters».

«New signings in the squad list? They have to be there. We will have to manage them, but Santiago and Souza will be included if the paperwork is sorted out. Gabriel is different, the paperwork is not ready. He arrives with a different status, he will not be part of the Champions League squad list. Santi and Souza will be there».

«Champions League squad list? It was a day of decisions, in line with the demands and the scenarios I expect to face. Leaving Dominik [Prpic] out is difficult, he has been with us for a year, he helps us a lot in matches and in training. I spoke to him and he accepted it, he is happy to be here and to help. Not being on the UEFA list does not compromise anything, there are so many games to play that there will be time for everyone. The 23, 24 players who are part of this group will all have an important role, last season proved that. In a long season, there are moments of downturn, if another player can step up that is good. Last season, Alberto’s peak helped us manage Martim’s injury, and when Alberto had fatigue, Martim stepped up. The same happened with other players».

«Managing Santiago Giménez and André Silva? With Santi, we have to take it day by day. We have to assess the situation for what it is. Tomorrow, we will have to use the games to give players match fitness. The summer was not easy for him, and the last two years have also been somewhat complicated. We are not discussing the player’s level, with massive impact at the clubs where he has played, with experience and hunger to help. We have to be careful in the way we manage him. André is in incredible form. We joked with him because in Viseu he ran 12 kilometres, almost at Froholdt’s numbers. That says a lot about his spirit and desire to help, defending with remarkable focus, with extra effort and always at the service of the team. He is at the team’s disposal. When Samu returns, a lot of FC Porto’s season will depend on these three guys. We want all three to be in the best possible shape».

«Gabriel Mec? He has some of Rodrigo’s characteristics. He is more of a winger who comes inside, but he can also play as an attacking midfielder. He had good development at Grémio and has a lot of potential. The club is alert to opportunities in the market. A player with this potential being available created the desire to move for him. He needs to develop physically, adapt to different demands, with no rush to force anything. He has to be ready as soon as possible, and his opportunity will come too».

«Seko Fofana? He will be with the team tomorrow, ready to help. He is 100% back with the team».

«Keeping Diogo Costa? It worked well [closing the airport]. Thank God everything went well, he is with us. I believe it is essential that he stays».

«Samu registered for the Champions League? He is a player who is far too important for us. We are all waiting for him as soon as possible. I want to have that bullet in the chamber. We are going to be careful, he has been doing fantastic work, with the desire to push himself to the limit, even beyond the limit. He has gone beyond the limits of human capacity to cope with effort and work. The work done with Pedro, he was practically sleeping with him, has been remarkable, as has the work of the medical team. I would love to put him in the starting eleven tomorrow, he is a monster waiting for his opportunity. There are still physical and physiological things that must be respected. We will try to shorten the layoff, but we cannot put the player at risk because of the desire and feeling of wanting him back. Before he returns to official competition, I want every green light from the medical team. He is still in the process. His mentality and desire make it difficult to keep him out. This period has made him understand the importance of hard work. He is even better now in several physical parameters. We do not want to force anything».

«Competition on the left side of defence? I have already answered that in part. In this team, everyone has a role. The market, the news, the rumours can create some difficulties or mental pressure. Now the market is closed for us. This is the group until January. From now on, these are the people we believe in, who will wear this shirt this season and face the challenges. Even those who felt they might be somewhere else, now is the time to feel that they are with us. We need the best version of everyone, with the desire to make the fans happy, starting tomorrow».

The match between FC Porto and Moreirense is scheduled for this Friday, 4 September, kicking off at 8:15pm.

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