Farioli says FC Porto deserved a second goal after beating Benfica | OneFootball

Francesco Farioli highlighted his team's commitment after the victory over Benfica, stating that FC Porto deserved to increase their lead with a second goal. The coach praised the intensity displayed, the quality in the first half, and the ability to endure and defend in the second half, mentioning he felt the presence of the fans on the field and thanked them for their support.

In his analysis of the game, Farioli considered that the team met expectations and created enough chances to score more. He emphasized the importance of set pieces in the origin of the goal – with a sequence of corners before the decisive play – and also highlighted the opportunities generated in open play, especially in the first half. From the restart, he admitted that the game changed character, requiring a different defensive stance in the face of the difficulties imposed by the opponent.

The coach also praised the performance of Thiago Silva, who entered the field in good physical condition and whose participation was considered “exceptional” by the coach. Farioli highlighted the defender's contribution in terms of leadership and calmness, indicating that his presence will be relevant in the short term, especially given the uncertainty regarding the severity of Bednarek's injury, which is still under evaluation.

Farioli also disagreed with a public opinion about the match: on RTP, he responded to a comment by José Mourinho, defending that FC Porto's victory was fair. He acknowledged that the opponent created dangerous situations but maintained that, overall, the Porto team deserved the result.

The coach linked this victory to a moment of continuity at the club, rejecting the notion that the contract renewal should be confused with a one-off outcome. For Farioli, the renewal results from the work already developed, and the triumph contributes to a positive feeling as the team prepares for the next challenge.

For the coaching staff, the conclusions from the match involve confirming strengths and identifying aspects to manage. The effectiveness in set pieces proved decisive once again, while the defensive response in the most demanding phase of the game was highlighted as proof of resilience. Managing injuries and physical constraints emerges as an immediate operational priority, with the uncertainty regarding Bednarek's condition requiring evaluation and potential adjustments for the next commitment.

Beyond the technical assessment, Farioli emphasized the role of the fans, stating that their presence and atmosphere were felt on the field and influenced the collective performance. This connection between the team and the fan base was presented as a motivating factor that explains the demonstrated intensity and the ability to react to adverse moments.

On the competitive front, the qualification for the next stage of the competition was mentioned as a milestone that comes in parallel with the calmness of someone who viewed the contract renewal as recognition of the work. The coach adopted a short-term approach – preparing for the game against Vitória – and a medium-term goal of continuing to evolve without losing focus after an important result.

In summary, Farioli valued a performance that, in his view, justified the victory and left positive signs: merit in managing the moments of the game, effectiveness in set pieces, defensive response when required, and clear benefits from the integration of reinforcements like Thiago Silva. At the same time, he remained cautious about physical issues and emphasized the continuity of work as a priority in the coming weeks.

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