Borja Sainz: Settling at Porto, bond with Samu, 2026 World Cup dream | OneFootball

Borja Sainz spoke to Dragões magazine about the beginning of his journey at FC Porto and the support he has received within the club, particularly from his compatriots. The Spanish recruit also assured that he is “100 percent focused on FC Porto,” but admits the dream of representing the national team in next year’s World Cup.

First Impressions: “The Champions Leagues, of course. Not every club wins a Champions League. Many clubs with much more money would give anything to win that trophy. I think that's also why FC Porto is quite recognized.

Expectations: “I think the team is working very well, and it was evident in these first games. This is the path to follow because we are training better every day. We only think about one game at a time and not about the future.”

Assists and Goals: “They were happy moments and strong emotions because, as I said, at the beginning it was a bit difficult, I felt strange in the games, and the confidence wasn’t the same because I wasn’t yet in sync with my teammates and the coach’s ideas. When you’re new to the team, it’s always a bit tough, but when you get into the dynamic, it’s very exciting because you feel good, and when the team wins, you feel even better.”

Support from Compatriots: “Yes, of course, I get along very well with them, but there isn’t a player I don’t talk to. It’s like that with everyone. I see a teammate who doesn’t understand English that well talking openly with another who doesn’t understand Spanish that well, and they make an effort so that we can all get along and thus be a family.”

Unity: “We are working very well, the coach knows what he wants from us and how to guide us, we are quite aware of that, and besides, we are a family, there’s no other way to explain it.”

Farioli: “He is very demanding, as everyone can see, he likes to work, has his technical team very well organized, conveys ideas very clearly, and everyone is very happy with him. I’ve learned many things. I was already told he was very good and liked to work a lot, but from the first day, when I spoke to him, I felt that confidence. I learn every day and still want to learn much more. On a personal level, it’s possible to see that the team always has a good attitude, and tactically, it’s also noticeable that we have a well-coordinated squad.”

Defensive Commitment: “The coach likes us to work a lot defensively, not just me, but the whole team. When I was young, and even when I debuted as a senior, I had difficulties in this aspect, it was quite hard for me, but little by little I worked on it, and now it’s not hard for me. Do fans value that? Yes, I end up noticing it when I’m on the field. I do it also because I know it’s something that will help my career, so I will continue like this.”

Atmosphere at Olival: “Everyone who has watched the games notices that the team is united, and we want to continue like this daily because that way we will achieve great things.”

Samu: “I get along very well with Samu, I’m with him every day, and I consider him, besides a great teammate, a great friend.”

European Anxiety: “I want to return to England, I’m curious to face an opponent from the English league with this team and representing this great club. It’s that duel with Nottingham Forest that excites me the most.”

World Cup 2026: “Of course, I would like to play in the World Cup, it’s a dream, but for now, I’m focused on working daily, which is the most important. If that moment comes, great, but if it doesn’t, I will continue to work so that one day it happens. Is the focus 100% on FC Porto? Yes, of course. When you do things well at your club, people notice. The most important thing is the day-to-day, and I will continue like this.”

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