Smalling on Farioli’s importance: ‘It just made sense…’ | OneFootball

Smalling was unveiled as a new FC Porto player and put Francesco Farioli at the heart of his decision to move to the Dragão. In his first comments after arriving, he highlighted the leadership he wants to bring onto the pitch, the demands of representing the blue and whites, and his excitement about playing in front of the fans. Speaking about the coach, he said: “He did his research, watched my games, and it just made sense.”

Conviction ran through Smalling’s words: he felt wanted by FC Porto and found in Francesco Farioli’s message a clear vision for his role in the team. Between references to Pedro Emanuel, the number 6 shirt and the Estádio do Dragão, above all he made a promise of daily commitment.

On Pedro Emanuel, Smalling revealed that there was already a foundation of knowledge and dialogue built before his arrival at FC Porto. That familiarity could help in his first steps within a new reality.

“I know quite a lot, especially in recent years, because he and the coaching staff watched a lot of FC Porto matches,” he explained. “I know we’ll have a lot to talk about; we already did in Riyadh. It’s something familiar and now I’m here, which is good.”

It is a working relationship that does not start from scratch. Smalling enters a different context, but finds reference points and conversations that were already part of his journey.

When explaining his choice of FC Porto, the player placed Farioli and the club itself at the centre of the decision. More than a formal approach, he found a concrete display of trust and a clear idea of what he can add.

“I felt very wanted, not only by the coach, but also by the club, which did what it could to bring me here. It was good to hear the coach’s words, the way he sees me and how he thinks I fit into the team, the things I can add,” he said. “He did his research, watched my games, and it just made sense. After just ten minutes of conversation, I knew this had to happen and it got done.”

Farioli was therefore decisive. The knowledge shown by the coach and the clarity of the conversation quickly turned interest into a choice, with Smalling realising within a few minutes that his path led to the Dragão.

Experience and leadership are qualities the new signing intends to put at the team’s service, but without treating the challenge as a formality. Smalling stressed the need to keep standards high in a demanding schedule and against especially motivated opponents.

“I believe it will help and I hope to bring that experience and leadership onto the pitch,” he stressed. “I spoke with the coach and it’s true that we won the league last year, but this season it’s one game at a time, because we play every three days and our levels have to be at the top. Every team will want to beat us, so I hope to help keep the standards high, learn the dynamics as quickly as possible and help the team.”

His words combine ambition and caution. There is a desire to lead, but also the awareness that he will need to quickly understand the collective dynamics and meet the demands of every match.

The Estádio do Dragão stands out as one of the main reasons for excitement. Smalling has not yet experienced it full, but he is already imagining the atmosphere that awaits him when he steps onto the pitch.

“I’ve never been here, but I’ve watched games, heard a lot of things and on the way from the airport I was able to see the stadium,” he said. “It was empty, but I can picture it full and with the fans supporting us. I can’t wait to be in there, play in front of our fans and show them that I’m here to compete and hungry.”

The image of the empty stadium did not lessen the excitement; rather, it served as a canvas for imagining a packed Dragão. It is in front of the fans that Smalling wants to confirm the competitive hunger he announced upon arrival.

The choice of the number 6 had a simple explanation, linked to the player’s career and the availability of the shirt. Smalling took the detail as a favourable sign in this new chapter.

“I’ve worn number 6 before. 5 and 6 are my most chosen numbers, and since number 6 was still available, it was a sign that I had to take it.”

Without dramatising the decision, the player found continuity in a number that was already among his preferences. A symbolic detail in a move embraced with conviction.

Smalling also showed that he is fully aware of FC Porto’s competitive reality. The club’s history and obligation to win were framed within a promise of constant commitment, both in training and in matches.

“I’ve only just arrived, but I know the history of this club, I know it’s all about winning,” he said. “I’m someone who comes hungry, ready to compete, and that will be visible in every training session and every game. I’ll give everything every day.”

The message left no room for ambiguity: Smalling associates the club’s identity with victory and presents himself as ready to respond with hard work. The adaptation starts now, but the bar has been set from the very first moment.

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