Francesco Farioli: “Beyond the result, I think we played well” | OneFootball

Francesco Farioli preferred to draw positive conclusions from FC Porto’s defeat to Gil Vicente in a pre-season friendly, highlighting the team’s response. The Italian coach emphasized the work done throughout pre-season, the chances created in the first half, and the use of younger players in the final stages of the match. The Super Cup against Torreense and the transfer market were also part of his assessment. Regarding the team’s performance, he was unequivocal: “The display was positive.”

At a time when the team is still in the preparation phase, Francesco Farioli put the result in the background and focused on the growth process. For the FC Porto coach, progress is also reflected in physical condition, attitude, and the ability of players trying to earn a place.

At the press conference after the clash with Gil Vicente, Farioli rejected the idea that the analysis should be limited to the final result. The coach stressed the demands of the training period and the way the players responded to difficulties.

“Beyond the result, we have to take the performance into account,” he began. “I think we did well, the players got a lot of miles in their legs, it has been a difficult pre-season and the players have been working very well.”

The coach’s reading therefore focused on the path taken during a building phase in which physical load and the consolidation of playing ideas take on particular importance. Despite the defeat, Farioli identified positive aspects to take from the match.

In his analysis of the game, the Italian placed particular emphasis on the chances created before the break and the introduction of the younger players in the closing minutes.

“Of course we didn’t want these results, but it was a night with quite a few chances, especially in the first half, which we didn’t take. The performance was positive and seeing the young players at the end was important, to assess them, because they represent the present and the future,” he also stressed.

In addition to the lack of finishing, the match made it possible to observe the younger players and test different responses from the team. Farioli sees that balance between the present and the future as an important part of the preparation work.

The next commitment will carry a different significance, as the Super Cup against Torreense, scheduled for August 1, will be at stake. The Porto coach made it clear that the opponent will be approached with the utmost respect.

“We have to be ready for the Super Cup, we are going to play for a title, against an opponent that had an incredible run in the Portuguese Cup, we do not want to underestimate anyone and we have to be at our best physically and mentally if we want to lift the trophy.”

The possibility of winning a trophy requires, in Farioli’s view, rigorous preparation in every respect. The team will have to show up in its best physical and mental condition for the challenge.

The coach also spoke about the transfer market and confirmed that FC Porto are still working to complete the squad. Without revealing names or positions, he indicated that the process is not yet finished.

“There is still a lot of the transfer window ahead of us, we will take our time to finalize what we want,” he pointed out.

Farioli linked that measured approach to the way the group returned to training and to the expectations surrounding the team.

“All the players came back in very good shape, it is a clear sign that they were ready to prepare at the highest level. They have been working very hard, and we know that many things still have to be finalized, and everyone is working so that we can meet the expectations that everyone has,” he concluded.

With part of the work already done and several decisions still to be made, Farioli remains guided by high standards, dedication, and the need to give the process time to turn preparation into results.

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