Farioli hails Porto’s display: Team improving, work remains | OneFootball

FC Porto achieved a crucial victory this Thursday in Stuttgart, winning 2-1 in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16. At the end of the match, Francesco Farioli shared his thoughts on his players’ performance.

“I think we did quite well. Before the match, we said it was very important to have the right energy, and that’s how we started the game. We had top moments both with and without the ball, against an opponent we knew and understood how they would play. After the second goal, there were moments when we lost a bit of control, always giving an extra touch. But overall, I think it was a great performance in the first leg of the tie. There’s still a lot to do, but now our minds are on Moreirense. Now it’s time to sleep, rest, and tomorrow we start preparing,” he initially told Sport TV.

Moffi was at his limit, Fofana too… “That’s normal. They were the last two players to arrive and are trying to catch up with the pace. Terem played a great game, helped us a lot in the duels, was fantastic off the ball, in pressing, and understood the game very well. Fofana also played a fine match, did very well as a box-to-box midfielder. But with 80 minutes against Sporting, and another 80 today… It’s very good. The team is growing, but nothing is done yet. We need to move on to the next chapter.”

The tie isn’t decided yet… “Clearly. We played and will play again against a top team from the Bundesliga. Very physical, very technical. Today I saw Alberto for the first time having difficulties against a player faster and stronger than him. And that says a lot about the level of the opponent. I think we played a top match mentally and in terms of attitude, but we have to keep going. Keep growing. First with Moreirense, then again with Stuttgart.”

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