Farioli: Priority is tomorrow’s match against surprise package | OneFootball

Francesco Farioli previewed the 26th round match of the Primeira Liga between FC Porto and Moreirense at Estádio do Dragão, highlighting that after three away games, it's important to return with full concentration against a team that has been one of the surprises of the championship.

The Italian coach emphasized that despite the comfort in the standings, the team cannot relax. It is necessary to stay focused and connected to the game, acknowledging the challenges of the encounter and expecting a competitive match similar to the first leg, where they had control but found it difficult to unlock the result.

Regarding player management during the Europa League knockout stage, Farioli stated that apparent rest or fatigue does not change the objective: the team must always seek victory. He praised the good condition of the squad and the management of the players' energy, highlighting the importance of reaching March with everyone in good shape to pursue multiple competitions simultaneously.

Regarding the unsatisfactory rating given by the Disciplinary Council to the referee of the match against Arouca, the coach expressed surprise and argued that the images are clear: he believes there was a penalty, as without the contact, Fofana would have scored. However, he assured that this issue will not influence the refereeing team of the next game.

On the alleged preferential treatment given to Sporting in the schedule, Farioli stated that FC Porto remains focused on its responsibilities and avoids wasting energy on external decisions they cannot control. He recalled that date management is a complex matter and that, for both teams, the situation is different, so the priority is to concentrate on their own path.

When asked about the ability to maintain the same level despite changes in the lineup, he explained that the choices result from considered decisions aimed at valuing the entire squad. He highlighted the competitiveness of recent training sessions and games, which allows any player to be ready to contribute when called upon.

He also mentioned the development of Zaidu, praising his attitude and responsiveness after a potential departure in January, and emphasized the positive impact of homegrown players. He praised the work of the youth coaching staff and the integration of several young players into the first team's training, mentioning individual progress such as that of Miranda, Tiago Silva, and Gonçalo Sousa.

Finally, he addressed tactical adjustments, arguing that the ability to adapt to the demands of the games is essential. He admitted that pressure cannot be maintained uninterruptedly for 90 minutes, but reiterated the team's identity and the continuous search for the best solutions to compete on different fronts.

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