Francesco Farioli wants more: “Waiting for players to lift level” | OneFootball

Francesco Farioli focused his analysis of FC Porto’s current situation on three topics: the transfer market, squad continuity, and the Portuguese Super Cup final against Torreense. The Italian coach admitted that the team needs to raise its level, while also defending the importance of maintaining a consistent structure at a particularly demanding early stage of the season. As for the decisive match, he was unequivocal: “you play to win.”

With FC Porto preparing for their first official matches and transfer business still unfinished, Francesco Farioli acknowledged that there are areas that need strengthening. The coach’s message balanced the desire to make the team stronger with careful management and the need to respond immediately to a tight competitive schedule.

Regarding transfers, Farioli admitted that the process has been developing slowly, but assured that the club is fully aware of the squad’s shortcomings. The coach wants players who can bring greater competitiveness, without losing sight of the principles of financial balance that guide FC Porto’s policy.

“We are in a market that, on our side, is taking some time, but that’s how the market is. There are situations that are under control and others that we have to manage differently. The fact is that everyone at the club is aware of our needs,” he said. “I’m waiting for the players we would like to have in order to raise the team’s level and be competitive in all competitions. If we do that, there may be demands for extra money, and we are not in a position to waste it.”

The coach’s remarks rule out any scenario of rushed decisions. The priority of adding quality to the group is clear, but any reinforcements will have to come within the parameters set by the board.

The coach also spoke about the footballers who have been working at Olival, revealing general satisfaction with the possibility of continuing to be part of the project. At the same time, he admitted that some players are considering alternatives that would allow them to play more regularly or gain experience.

“The market is what it is. Of the players who are here at Olival, I would say that 95 percent are very happy to stay. Others are considering different options to get more minutes or gain experience. But I hope that most of the team and the most important players stay with us so we can build a solid base, not only for this season but for the club’s future,” he stressed. “What we did in the past is already behind us. We have to look ahead knowing that the level of internal and external competition will be higher and more demanding. My job is to prepare the team well on the pitch, and the club is working off it to strengthen the positions we consider crucial. In two days we are playing for a trophy, and in eight or nine days the league begins. Even with the market still open, the first matches will be very important.”

For Farioli, keeping a stable core is crucial to the development of the project. While the team continues its preparations on the pitch, the club is looking for solutions in the market, knowing that the opening challenges of the season will have immediate consequences.

The Portuguese Super Cup final against Torreense fits precisely into that context. The FC Porto coach rejected any idea of an easy game and made a point of highlighting the path their opponents took to reach the trophy match.

“In a final, you play to win and with the desire to lift the trophy. We have to show great respect for the path Torreense took. They went all the way, beat a very strong team, and qualified for European competitions, doing something absolutely incredible and remarkable,” he said. “In this market, they have already shown that they have ambition; they are refreshing the team and the squad. It will be a match that demands a great deal of attention and respect from us. On our side, we will play with the desire to win a trophy that is extremely important to us.”

The respect shown for Torreense does not change the Dragons’ objective. Farioli expects a final that will require the team to be at maximum concentration, but he also wants FC Porto to show from the outset the ambition needed to win the first trophy of the season.

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