Farioli says Manchester City are among Champions League contenders ahead of Porto opener | OneFootball

Farioli says Manchester City are among the Champions League favourites and warns FC Porto face a severe test in their opener. He added that Guardiola's legacy remains significant, while City are now in a new cycle under Maresca.

Speaking before Tuesday's first league phase match at Estádio do Dragão, he said the Portuguese champions still have a chance on home turf. According to O Jogo, he believes the Dragão can produce special nights.

Froholdt suffered a concussion against Moreirense on Friday and is following UEFA's gradual return protocol. Bednarek is suspended from a red card carried over, with Samu, Zaidu and Oskar Pietuszewski also out. Farioli framed the setbacks as a chance for the squad to prove itself.

The match will be his Champions League debut at 37, which he called the right moment. He said he had previously qualified at Ajax, and that motivation for Tuesday will not be an issue even if domestic competitions usually demand more impetus.

He admitted recent signings are not yet at peak fitness and did not reveal whether Fofana, Gimenez or Souza will start. He stressed team spirit and said they will need to run a lot, yet could still deliver a big display against an elite, physical and technical side.

Porto host Manchester City on Tuesday at 20:00 at Estádio do Dragão, with Polish referee Szymon Marciniak in charge.

Source: O Jogo

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