Farioli on Smalling’s arrival: “We shared ideas and thoughts” | OneFootball

Francesco Farioli spoke this Friday after FC Porto’s 3-1 win over Deportivo de La Coruña in a friendly played at the Riazor. The Dragons’ coach explained the arrival of Chris Smalling and praised André Silva, who scored twice, revealing that the club and coaching staff “shared ideas and thoughts.”

After a match in which Smalling started, Francesco Farioli framed the defender’s signing within the squad’s needs, made worse by Nehuén’s muscle injury. At the same time, he highlighted the new signing’s experience and winning mentality.

Asked about the decision to add another player to the defensive unit, the coach explained that the choice came from a joint reflection with the club and the need to protect the team.

“It was a conversation we had with the club in line with what the team needed. We shared ideas and thoughts,” he explained. “We had a problem with Nehuén, a muscle injury that we never want to happen, especially after a season without playing. To protect the team and the players, we felt it was important to have one more player and we were fortunate to bring in a champion, 324 games for United, he played in the Champions League and has a winner’s mentality. He showed a willingness to help from day one.”

Farioli thus presented Smalling as an immediate response to a physical setback, but also as a signing capable of adding competitive experience. The defender’s willingness since arriving was another aspect valued by the coach.

André Silva’s performance also received special attention. The striker, who scored a brace, saw his daily work and commitment to the team highlighted by Farioli.

“André deserves it, he works very well, is very committed to the team and wants to help in every possible situation. Today, he scored two great goals, a classic striker’s finish in the box for the first goal, and another of very high quality,” he stressed. “He is getting nothing more than he deserves. We are waiting for Samu to get back to top form and we hope to have Santi [Giménez] back as well to regain the condition we all expect.”

The praise for André Silva came together with a note of expectation regarding Samu and Santi Giménez. Between the performance of those who stepped up at the Riazor and the recovery of the other forwards, Farioli made it clear how important it is to have all options available again in good condition.

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