Farioli: "The pitch wasn’t in good shape, it wasn’t easy playing here" | OneFootball

FC Porto secured another victory in the Betclic League this Monday, this time away at Alverca (3-0). At the end of the match, Francesco Farioli assessed his players’ performance and pointed to pressure and reaction to losing possession as crucial elements for the outcome.

“I think it was a positive game, but the pitch was not in good condition. It wasn’t easy to play, especially against a very physical team that wins a lot of duels. I think we did well, we created several chances. I’m happy with the victory and for giving this gift to the fans,” he initially said in statements to Sport TV.

Were pressure and reaction to losing possession decisive? “Yes, they were important. But overall, I think understanding the moment of the game, when we should attack the low block… It wasn’t easy to combine as we usually do, but in the second half we managed once again to find the best moments to attack. I think we played a good game, defended well against long balls and second balls. It was positive.”

Another match without conceding… “It’s good. Today we also had Diogo [Costa]’s help, he made two very important saves in the first half. And more than that, his presence, his ‘aura’. The way he commands the team is incredible. Good for our defense, good for Diogo, and I’d prefer he didn’t have much work, but when needed we know we have a top goalkeeper.”

Is he a goalkeeper for the highest level? “Absolutely. He’s a top player, a top professional, with an incredible mentality. He challenges his teammates to improve, to raise standards. I’ve told him several times that he has an essential role. He’s an FC Porto-type player and we’ll see.”

Deco said that the choice of coach and players was decisive for FC Porto’s success… “I’m grateful for the words, but it’s never the work of just one person. What I tried to do when we arrived was to analyze the situation, bring more energy to turn things around quickly. And then, in front of the cameras, it’s always the coach, but there are many people working. The staff, the medical department, the people behind the cameras. But of course, the main protagonists are the players. We’re very happy with the results, for now being able to have a few days with family, but after that we’ll weigh up the players to see the contribution of each one… We’ll have a very important game at home. As I often say, the results are good but there are still many things to improve.”

FC Porto now has an eight-point lead over second place and eleven over third. What does that mean now? “We count our points and don’t have time to do the math. We still have a game to play in December and there’s a lot to do. Merry Christmas to all the dragons.”

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