Francesco Farioli wants more: “Waiting for signings to raise level” | OneFootball

Francesco Farioli focused his assessment of FC Porto’s current situation on three topics: the transfer market, squad continuity, and the Portuguese Super Cup final against Torreense. The Italian coach admitted the team needs to raise its level, while also stressing the importance of maintaining a consistent structure in a particularly demanding early stage of the season. As for the decisive match, he was unequivocal: “you play to win.”

With FC Porto preparing for its first official matches and transfer dealings still unfinished, Francesco Farioli acknowledged that there are areas that need strengthening. The coach’s message balanced the desire to make the team stronger with cautious management and the need to respond immediately to a packed competitive schedule.

On transfers, Farioli admitted the process has been moving slowly, but assured that the club is fully aware of the squad’s shortcomings. The coach wants players who can bring greater competitiveness, without losing sight of the principles of financial balance that guide FC Porto’s policy.

“We are in a market that, on our side, is taking some time, but that’s how the market is. There are situations that are under control and others that we have to manage differently. The fact is that everyone at the club is aware of our needs,” he said. “I’m waiting for the players we would like to have in order to raise the team’s level and be competitive in every competition. If we do that, there may be demands for extra fees, and we are not in a position to waste money.”

The coach’s statements rule out any scenario of rushed decisions. The priority of adding quality to the group is clear, but reinforcements will have to be brought in within the parameters set by the board.

The coach also spoke about the footballers who have been working at Olival, revealing broad satisfaction with the possibility of remaining part of the project. At the same time, he admitted that some players are considering alternatives that would allow them to play more regularly or gain experience.

“The market is what it is. Of the players who are here at Olival, I would say that 95 percent are very happy to stay. Others are considering different options to get more minutes or gain experience. But I hope that most of the team and the most important players stay with us so we can build a solid foundation, not only for this season, but for the future of the club,” he stressed. “What we did in the past is already behind us. We have to look ahead knowing that the level of internal and external competition will be higher and more demanding. My job is to prepare the team well on the pitch, and the club is working off it to strengthen the positions we consider crucial. In two days we are playing for a trophy, and in eight or nine days the league begins. Even with the market still open, the first matches will be very important.”

For Farioli, maintaining a stable core is crucial to the development of the project. While the team continues its preparations on the pitch, the club is looking for solutions in the market, aware that the season’s first challenges will have immediate consequences.

The Portuguese Super Cup final against Torreense fits precisely into that context. The FC Porto coach dismissed any idea that it would be easy and made a point of highlighting the path the opponent took to reach the trophy match.

“In a final, you play to win and with the desire to lift the trophy. We have to show great respect for the journey Torreense made. They went all the way, beat a very strong team, and qualified for the European competitions, doing something absolutely incredible and remarkable,” he said. “In this market, they have already shown that they have ambition; they are refreshing the team and the squad. It will be a match that demands a great deal of attention and respect from us. On our side, we will play with the desire to win a trophy that is extremely important to us.”

The respect shown for Torreense does not change the Dragons’ objective. Farioli expects a final that will require the team to be fully focused, but he also wants FC Porto to show from the outset the ambition needed to win the first trophy of the season.

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