Villas-Boas: Current squad like 2010/11, never gives up, full of energy | OneFootball

André Villas-Boas expressed great satisfaction with the high turnout of FC Porto members and supporters at the New Year’s training session at Estádio do Dragão. In statements to Porto Canal, the president praised the quality of the work carried out by the team led by Francesco Farioli in the first half of the season, highlighted the increase in new members, and drew a comparison with the squad he managed as coach in 2010/11, which won the league, the Europa League, and the Portuguese Cup.

“In 2010/11, and taking advantage of Helton’s presence here, because there’s a slight comparison, we had a team full of talent, with outstanding players, but we also had a very strong internal message. And here, there’s a lot we can compare with that season—a team that never gives up, that transmits positive energy, grit, and determination like few others. We found this parallel when it’s necessary to fight until the end, a very strong motivational image. We once again have a goalkeeper as captain, just like in 2011,” emphasized André Villas-Boas.

Open training session

“I want to wish a happy new year to the entire Porto family, those who are here and those at home. May it be a year of great achievements. A year ago, we had the same wishes and dreams of ambition, and we saw how things can quickly fall apart. That’s why commitment is fundamental, as well as rigor, determination, and high standards, so we can achieve our goals. We know that any points gap is short; it’s a marathon. May the team continue to bring us this joy to win the title, not only in football but also in other sports.”

“I want to thank the commitment of our members; it’s a reflection of a new connection between FC Porto and its supporters. We want to continue creating more and more bonds and keep growing. Our goal is to reach 250,000 members in the next three years. In April, it will be two years since I became president, and we want to move towards 250,000. It’s a good reflection of FC Porto’s strength, of what our principles and values are, and of how supporters want to become members to feel even closer to the club. The strength of FC Porto is the sense of unity and commitment. When we are together and involved in the same goal, we are unbeatable. We need the supporters to push us, and you can feel that unity between the team and the fans. All this affection is fundamental—on a rainy day, to have around 30,000 people here. I hope the teams continue to live up to expectations. What unites us as Porto fans is the feeling of living the club, of transcendence, of love for all the principles that unite us, and a huge respect for the shirt. We are a family, and that is the spirit we must carry forward.”

Upcoming battles

“We are used to building our fortress against the ever-increasing inequalities against FC Porto. A more pressing feeling in the media outlets that attack us daily. FC Porto, so far, has the best records in history, which reflects the sense of commitment from the coach to the club and the players. We are only halfway there; January will be complicated with games in the Azores and Guimarães, Benfica in the Portuguese Cup, but we dream of the title and for that, we must continue to support the team and transmit this internal energy.”

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