Injury wave forced Farioli to seek versatility in Porto players | OneFootball

The wave of injuries that has affected FC Porto’s squad, especially after the close of the transfer window, has forced Francesco Farioli to rely on the versatile qualities of several players. At least three athletes – Zaidu, Pablo Rosario, and Rodrigo Mora – are being trained to perform roles different from those they are used to. If these adaptations go well, besides helping the team, they can also increase the individual value of these footballers.

Farioli’s strategy is not unprecedented. Last season, while at Ajax, he identified in Jorrel Hato traits that allowed the conversion from central defender to left-back. The Dutch international accepted the change and, after a season in that role under the Italian coach, transferred to Chelsea for 43 million euros; in the national team, he also started being seen as a left-back – a telling example.

At FC Porto, the succession of injuries has shortened options and stimulated the coach’s creativity. Right at the time of Pablo Rosario’s signing, Farioli made it clear that the midfielder could occupy three different positions. More recently, the coach also mentioned that Zaidu and Rodrigo Mora are being prepared to play in three distinct roles.

However, this is a process that requires patience and trust from all parties involved – player, coaching staff, representatives, and management. In Hato’s case, Farioli said he had to “explain” his “technical-tactical” vision in detail, using meetings and video analysis. The results appeared after a few weeks, and the player acknowledged the coach’s role.

It is this trust in the process that the coach now asks of FC Porto’s players, with encouraging signs.

Zaidu played as an 8 against Lourosa Zaidu is a left-back and, against Rio Ave, came off the bench to play on the right flank. At the end of the match, Farioli revealed that the Nigerian has also been training as a midfielder (position 8). According to Record, it was in this role that Zaidu played in the training match against Lus. Lourosa.

Rosario already seen in two positions Pablo Rosario made his debut for FC Porto as a midfielder, his natural position, at Alvalade. However, due to simultaneous injuries to Martim Fernandes and Alberto Costa, he started being used as a right-back. The new signing doesn’t stop there and, if necessary, can also play as a central defender.

Mora placed in secret This FC Porto, unlike Martín Anselmi’s team, was not built around Rodrigo Mora. Even so, Farioli is committed to developing the creative player’s qualities, working him as an attacking midfielder, winger, and another position he preferred to keep secret.

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