Injury wave forces Farioli to seek versatility in FC Porto squad | OneFootball

The wave of injuries that has affected FC Porto's squad, especially after the closing of the transfer market, 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 different roles than they were used to. If the adaptations go well, in addition to helping the team, they can also individually enhance these footballers.

Farioli's strategy is not unprecedented. Last season, while at Ajax, he identified traits in Jorrel Hato that allowed for his conversion from centre-back to left-back. The Dutch international accepted the change and, after a season in this role with the Italian coach, he transferred to Chelsea for 43 million euros; in the national team, he also began to be 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 places.

However, this is a process that requires patience and trust from all parties involved - player, coaching staff, representatives, and directors. In Hato's case, Farioli said he had to "explain" his "technical-tactical" vision in detail, using meetings and video viewing. The results came 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, he 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 lined up in the training match against Lus. Lourosa.

Rosario already seen in two places Pablo Rosario made his debut for FC Porto as a midfielder, his natural position, at Alvalade. However, due to the simultaneous injuries of Martim Fernandes and Alberto Costa, he began to be used as a right-back. The reinforcement does not stop there and, if necessary, he can also play as a centre-back.

Mora placed in secret This FC Porto, unlike Martín Anselmi's, was not built around Rodrigo Mora. Nevertheless, Farioli is committed to developing the creative's qualities, training him for 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.