João Manuel Pinto praises Thiago Silva’s leadership and experience | OneFootball

In FC Porto’s two most recent matches in 2026, the two already signed winter reinforcements made their debuts: Thiago Silva started in the clashes against Benfica (Portuguese Cup) and Vitória SC (Primeira Liga), while Oskar Pietuszewski came off the bench in the victory over the team from Guimarães, decisively influencing the result (0-1).

While the arrival of Thiago Silva strengthened the quality demonstrated by Bednarek and Kiwior throughout the season, the young Pole brought an irreverence capable of deciding matches, just as happened in Guimarães.

In exclusive statements to Portal dos Dragões, João Manuel Pinto assessed the impact of these two reinforcements on the squad led by Francesco Farioli, highlighting the solidity that FC Porto has shown throughout the season.

“It’s fantastic to see a player like Thiago, with the experience he has. He’s a great signing for the calmness and leadership he brings to the team. FC Porto was very smart in approaching a player with such a history. From these two games, it’s already clear the tranquility the defense has. Thiago is a player who commands respect, brings experience, dynamics, and is a communicator. He’s an excellent center-back. In Guimarães, it was a very intense game,” began the former player, before reviewing what happened at Estádio D. Afonso Henriques.

“FC Porto knew they would face a Vitória SC side that had just made history by winning the League Cup, a motivated and tough opponent. Plus, it was in Guimarães, in front of their home crowd, perhaps the only one in Portugal that is purely from Guimarães and whose fans live and breathe their club. Vitória is always a tough team and we can’t forget that FC Porto lost to them at home, that they had beaten Sporting, and that they won the League Cup against Sporting de Braga. FC Porto had to be at their best, very intense and dynamic. It was an excellent game. The win went to FC Porto, but Vitória SC had one or two chances. It was a good match,” he emphasized.

João Manuel Pinto also commented on Oskar Pietuszewski’s intervention, who came off the bench to win the penalty converted by Alan Varela and contributed to the sending off of Telmo Arcanjo.

“He’s a 17-year-old kid with a lot of talent. He’s going to cause a lot of trouble. He’ll especially be a headache for his coach, because he’s another option. This says a lot about the signings FC Porto has made this season. A lot of quality and not much name recognition, except for Thiago Silva. The gamble is paying off and that’s why FC Porto is having a stunning campaign, except for the draw with Benfica in the league. They’re the best team in the league, intense and with a clear objective,” he asserted.

Recognition for Villas-Boas’ work and praise for Francesco Farioli

The former player also took the opportunity to praise the work done by president André Villas-Boas and coach Francesco Farioli.

“FC Porto has someone with a lot of experience in the football world as its president. The coach was surrounded by some doubts because of previous years’ work. When you come to the Portuguese league after a failed season like FC Porto had in 2024/25, it was a very tough test for whoever took over as coach. Farioli took charge with quality, implemented his ideas, and the players put them into practice. He also renewed the squad with full merit,” he stressed.

“FC Porto fans have every reason to be happy, while the players and coach should be pleased. It’s a campaign that will only get tougher. FC Porto will always be a target because everyone wants to beat them. The question now is who will be the team to defeat FC Porto. FC Porto has been an unbeatable team and knows what to expect game by game. And the message the president sends out is extremely positive. The support has been unmistakable. Villas-Boas has been serious and calm. The club has been reborn once again. In recent years, it has faced many difficulties, even logistical ones, and now his work is showing,” he concluded.

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