Francesco Farioli: “We go into the match with our best available players” | OneFootball

After the new break for international team commitments, FC Porto returns to competition in the Portuguese Cup with a debut scheduled for Saturday at 18:00 (Sport TV), at the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos, against CD Celoricense, which participates in Series A of the Portuguese Championship. In the preview of the match, Francesco Farioli emphasized that “a new book is opening that we want to explore to the last page” and highlighted the need for the team to prove that they deserve “to move forward.” “We have to be smart and intelligent in our approach to the game, as football history is full of surprises,” added the Italian coach, who expects “the support of our fans” on this trip to Minho.

New chapter begins“It’s a new competition, a new book that opens and we want to explore it to the last page, if we are capable. We have to start with the first page and the first page is CD Celoricense. I read some interviews from some of their players and I know how they feel. When I started my coaching career at the amateur level, I also knew what it was like to play against big teams from higher divisions. We will face a team that will give their all and has a fantastic opportunity to show their worth. We have to be smart and intelligent in our approach to the game, as football history is full of surprises. The game starts 0-0 and we have to prove that we deserve to move forward.”

A trophy on the horizon“Having the opportunity to compete in a competition and being able to win it is always something fantastic. Before the last page of the book, we have to start with the first. We are preparing very well and preparing for all scenarios, even the players are receiving individual information about the opponent. We have a lot of respect and attention, as always, knowing that football is a strange game. We have to be prepared to compete at our best.”

Favoritism is decided on the pitch“On paper, we can say many things, but the game starts 0-0 and both teams will give their all. It’s a knockout game and various scenarios can happen. We thought about all the scenarios and everything that can change the course and dynamics of a game. There’s a ball, two goals, 22 players, and many things can happen. We have to be prepared to face the game in the best way.”

The available players to avoid surprises“We compete to win in all competitions and tomorrow we will go all out, we will play with the best available. We will enter with the best eleven that I believe will help us win the game and face the next competitive block. It will be six games, five away, it will be a demanding cycle. We hope to have the support of our fans tomorrow and that they can fill the stadium. Our mind is on tomorrow’s game.”

Cláudio Ramos among the starters“In the other clubs I’ve been at, I never changed, but tomorrow Cláudio Ramos will play. He deserves it a lot, he has great experience and an important role in the group for his qualities, personality, and character. Tomorrow he will be in goal.”

Players' physical condition“Zaidu didn’t return in the best physical condition and has problems with a calf. We decided to leave him out of tomorrow’s game. Eustáquio also arrived later, but he is in condition to play.”

Possible debut of Yann Karamoh“He came as a free player and needed a few weeks to prepare well, but I believe he is now at a level where he can start helping us. Maybe he will get some game time tomorrow.”

The charm of Jamor“It’s a destination that has been mentioned to me several times, for the prestige and aura of that place. I was there a few years ago and I know it. We hope to get there to compete, but our journey starts tomorrow.”

Froholdt and Mora among the 25 Golden Boy finalists“I think it’s a great achievement for them and for the Club. Rodrigo Mora made his way through the youth ranks to reach the A team. Victor Froholdt was signed thanks to the work of the Scouting Department, which identified a great talent. I also want to mention the president, who had the courage to make a significant investment in a player who was just starting his career.”

Tomás Pérez in the U-20 World Cup final“We are very happy for him. When Nehuén Pérez got injured, we talked to him about the possibility of not releasing him, but when we analyzed all the possibilities, we decided to let him have a unique experience. He is in the final and could become world champion, which makes us happy and we support him from afar. When he returns, I hope we can celebrate with him for a few minutes and then get back to work.”

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