Farioli says Benfica clássico not decisive, but important for city, club and supporters | OneFootball

FC Porto head coach Francesco Farioli says Sunday’s first clássico of the season against Benfica is not decisive for the league, though it holds clear significance for the table and for the city, club and supporters.

According to O Jogo, he called for a top-level display to counter Benfica, praising how Marco Silva’s side have absorbed his ideas. He noted many players are unchanged, now with added experience, after a transfer window of notable changes and a coaching switch.

Preparation included analysing Fulham, Marco Silva’s previous team, to spot familiar patterns. Farioli observed similarities with Benfica’s style, alongside tweaks, and highlighted increased aggression without the ball as a key difference.

On selection, Farioli confirmed Froholdt is available after a concussion, while Nehuén Pérez and Fofana are sidelined. He said the rest of the squad are fit.

He rejected the notion that Porto drop into a low block against stronger opponents, arguing his team seek control with and without possession and that possession alone does not win matches. In his memory, only Manchester City have come to the Dragão and tried to dictate the game.

With Porto on 18 points and Benfica on 16, a home win would extend the gap to five points. Farioli urged a consistent mindset, while accepting a clássico at the Estádio do Dragão demands more and that the crowd can supply extra energy. Kick-off is 20:30 on Sunday, with Miguel Nogueira of AF Lisboa refereeing the seventh-round fixture.

Source: O Jogo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”