Farioli on Vitória SC: “They’ll be very competitive again” | OneFootball

Francesco Farioli anticipated the FC Porto match against Vitória SC in the League Cup quarter-finals, to be held at Estádio do Dragão, and gave an update on the competition:

«The last games were for different competitions, there are many books on the table. But it’s another challenge, the desire is to do the best possible, understanding the team's moment, the needs we have. But the goal is certainly to give our best. We have only won once since 2019 and we will try to do something different».

The Dragons' coach also spoke about the physical availability of the squad:

«We have to assess the team. In the last two games, we had players with some issues, especially with their knees. We need to evaluate this before making the starting 11 and making decisions, so we can have balance and preserve, above all, the players' integrity and physical health. And of course, the important thing is to win. We are working hard. Today the squad list will be made later than usual because we are trying everything to recover the players for the game. Maybe tomorrow the situation will be a bit more complicated than usual, but whoever steps onto the field will seize the opportunity and try to do everything to advance to the next round».

Francesco Farioli also evaluated the start of FC Porto's season:

«Very positive. First, considering the level of commitment of the group, the speed with which they changed their mentality. If I go back to July 15, the mentality of the players, the emotions that were here… I think we did a good job. Thanks to the players, of course, and to the people who are with me every day at Olival. The level of commitment and love for this club is surreal, it’s something you can only understand by being here every day. I think we did our job in turning things around and heading in the right direction. But we cannot believe that the work is done when we come from two seasons where the differences to Sporting were 29 points – both seasons combined – and to Benfica almost 20… We have a huge task ahead and we must continue to demand in pursuit of the goal».

The coach commented on his presence at the Gala of the Golden Dragons:

«I had already been told what it was, I had also seen some videos of previous editions. But experiencing something like this is unique, I really enjoyed it. I’m starting to understand Portuguese better and, therefore, I understood 90% of the speeches that were presented during the night. I would like to mention two moments: the first we had at the Museum, when we arrived, was essential to understand the context and where we are. And then, that night, with all the emotion, the love for FC Porto. It’s something very special and unique».

Farioli recalled the victory against Estoril on Sunday:

«It’s never easy to win football matches. If we look at the last two seasons and the two direct opponents… I saw comments saying that in the last games we only won by one goal, but with the opponents we have a difference of 13 points… We won against a strong opponent, which caused us many problems. The fact that we are playing every three days is an extra [difficulty], we have to deal with that. And of course, credit to Estoril. It’s a team that moves a lot and that opened up several opportunities. And with the ones we had, we could have also scored more goals. And, if that had happened, we would be here talking about another great night at Dragão. We showed resilience, the ability to suffer, and as Diogo said, the most important thing is to move forward, win and improve our performances».

Francesco Farioli also referred to the three goalkeepers in the squad:

«I’m happy with this question because it’s something rare to have three experienced goalkeepers, who are in the group of leaders, players who set the standards high. Unfortunately, you cannot see the way they train, but it’s something impressive. They are an incredible example for everyone, for the younger ones… We will try to give everyone what they deserve. Unfortunately, only one goalkeeper can play and I will make my decision for tomorrow».

«Alan Varela available for the game? He is fully recovered».

Regarding the League Cup opponent, the 36-year-old coach commented:

«They had some adaptations, changes, but they are in a positive moment. They come from positive results in the League. In the first game against us, they created problems, and tomorrow I expect them to be very competitive again. They can present different scenarios, they are very strong tactically, with the ability to adapt to various moments of the game. It will be a difficult game and we will try to find the best weapons to put Vitória in difficulties».

Regarding the state of Deniz Gül and Luuk de Jong:

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