Farioli: “What we did is in the past, we're only looking to the future” | OneFootball

The international break is behind us, and as we return to club competitions, FC Porto hosts CD Nacional (Saturday, 18:00, Sport TV) “who are doing well, a well-prepared team with great tactical variability and who like to press,” so Francesco Farioli asks the players to stay focused “on the future,” with “calm and feet on the ground,” but above all, “working hard.”

“When someone is absent, another must be ready to step up and show what we do here daily,” emphasized the winner of the August Best Coach award, confident that “increasing intensity will bring advantages in the short and long term” and certain that “collective sacrifice is essential.”

Gabri Veiga and Eustáquio “are fit” for the 5th round match; William Gomes “is being evaluated”; Jakub Kiwior “plays wherever needed”; and Victor Froholdt, awarded as Best Young Player, Midfielder, and Player of the Month, is ready to “run for three or four”: “He represents the spirit of the team.”

The return after the international break“It is very important to reconnect everyone. We had many players on international duty. We want to continue; what we did is part of the past, and we only look to the future. We will face Nacional, who are doing well, a well-prepared team with great tactical variability and who like to press, so we have to be ready for all scenarios.”

The depth to overcome injuries“There are different scenarios we evaluate, different options. We will see tomorrow what we will do. We have been unlucky with the injuries of Martim, Francisco, Luuk, Eustáquio, and Pepê, which caused some overload on other players, and Alberto's injury is somewhat a consequence of that. When someone is absent, another must be ready to step up and show what we do here daily.”

Collective responsibility“It's a challenge for everyone, but it's what we want. Increasing intensity required physical and mental effort, but it's what we want and what will give us advantages in the short and long term. We want the entire squad to be ready to respond. The perfect example of this was Rodrigo Mora, who wasn't a starter in the first three games, and when Gabri Veiga got injured and I called him for the classic, he took responsibility and played a great game against Sporting.”

Eustáquio and Gabri Veiga“They are back. They have already trained fit and are fully back.”

The defensive commitment of the forwards“It's not just with him, but the forwards need to improve how they defend without the ball. Recoveries are fundamental, and the front men have done well. If we want to achieve something, collective sacrifice is essential. The forwards have the privilege of receiving many balls, but they also have to help defend and cover unprotected areas.”

Victor Froholdt“What surprised me the most was the impact and how quickly he adapted. I didn't know him before he arrived; he was one of the first names put on the table, and I had good feelings. He is even better than he appeared in the footage. Now, it's important that he continues to evolve in certain areas. He is a player everyone likes because he runs for three or four and is contagious. He represents the spirit of this team well.”

Jakub Kiwior“He is a player who, when he played at Spezia in Italy, played as a number 6. He can play that position or as a central defender. He has experience in various roles. Wherever we need him, he will be available.”

Feet firmly on the ground“The mentality has to be where we want it; there is no other way. It's time for a reality check. Two months ago, I saw a heavier atmosphere, and now they already paint us as the greatest, blond, and blue-eyed. That's not the reality. The players weren't so bad before, nor are they so good now. The enthusiasm of the fans is something we have to know how to manage and enhance. It's a privilege, and we deserve that support in every game. The challenge is never to let our guard down, to stay calm, keep our feet on the ground, and continue working hard.”

William Gomes“We are still evaluating today. I don't want to take risks or have anyone on the bench who isn't completely available. If he's not ready, we have other players who can help. He's training individually, and we'll see.”

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