Felipe: “FC Porto and the fans are close to my heart” | OneFootball

But soon (8:00 PM, Sport TV5), at the City Ground, with "a really strong atmosphere" where "it's very difficult to play," FC Porto faces Nottingham Forest in the third round of the Europa League group stage. Felipe, who played for both clubs, predicts "a great game" between "two gigantic clubs" with "very passionate fans."

From the visit to the Estádio do Dragão at the start of the season, he remembers "the affection of the fans" and the belief that there is "a lot of room to evolve until the end of the year" in a team described as "light and intense." The former center-back advises the players to "rest at home, hydrate a lot, and manage their effort," reminding that "playing every three days is very complicated" and leaves "the body in constant stress."

In statements published in the Travel Guide intended for partners who traveled on the plane with the Porto delegation, Felipe assures that he has "FC Porto and the Porto fans in his heart" and highlights that "Nottingham Forest has been growing steadily in recent years and is a strong and robust team," also pointing out opposing individuals: "Igor Jesus is very versatile in movement and combines well with Gibbs-White, who needs no introduction because he is the team's pillar, floats through the final third, is intelligent, and helps in marking."

He was at the presentation game against Atlético de Madrid. What impressed him the most?Despite being pre-season and the evident fatigue typical of that period, Felipe considered the match very dynamic. He highlighted the coordination between the players, even with several new faces, and praised how FC Porto exploited possession against a team with great defensive solidity. He reinforced the idea that there is "a lot of room to evolve until the end of the year."

He received the affection of the Porto fans. How was this connection built?Felipe describes it as special to receive recognition from the fans, the result of a positive trajectory at FC Porto. It was his first European club, allowed him to reach the national team, and fulfill personal dreams. The player states that he holds the Club close to his heart and values the experience of representing a "gigantic" institution.

FC Porto started the European campaign with a victory in Salzburg. How did he analyze that match?He acknowledged the difficulty of the game, usual in the Europa League, and praised the importance of the decisive move by William Gomes, whom he calls the "slap" that secured the victory, highlighting the emotion of the collective celebrations.

With such a demanding schedule, how can players perform at their best playing every three days?Felipe insists that "playing every three days is very complicated." The body accumulates stress and needs almost two days of recovery; therefore, he appealed to the athletes' intelligence in managing their mental state, diet, and hydration. He also highlighted the importance of the rotation operated by the coaches and the recovery means provided by the Club.

FC Porto has a reputation for growing in international competitions. What is the secret?For Felipe, this characteristic is ingrained in the Club: even without direct experience in the Europa League, he recognizes that FC Porto always brings intensity, individual quality, and a winning culture transmitted by fans and the technical team. The combination of light, talented players and passionate fans explains the performance in continental competitions.

He knows Nottingham Forest well. How does he see the opponent's current moment?Nottingham has shown sustained growth in recent years, with several signings and internal adjustments. Felipe considers the squad strong and robust – a requirement of the Premier League – and notes that, despite the departure of key figures, the club continues to solidify itself.

What impact will the atmosphere at the City Ground have?The former player describes the City Ground as a stadium with "a really strong atmosphere." He recalls reports from colleagues in the Premier League about the difficulty of playing there, due to the devotion of the fans and the stands' coverage, which amplifies the sound impact. He expects a sold-out crowd and a hostile environment for visiting teams.

The Nottingham squad retains several of his former teammates. Is this cohesion relevant?Felipe states that maintaining pillars like Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Neco Williams was crucial for building stability. The newer elements integrate more easily thanks to the support of these players, which helps the club consolidate itself in the English elite.

In defense, Murillo has been important. How does he anticipate the duel with FC Porto's forwards?He foresees a physical and intense confrontation: he describes Murillo as "a bull" and compares the robustness of the opposing attackers – including Samu, Deniz Gül, and Luuk de Jong – making the clash interesting from a physical standpoint.

Igor Jesus and William Gomes stood out at the start of the Europa League. Can they make a difference?Felipe praises Igor Jesus's performance for his versatility and connection with Gibbs-White and highlights the decisive role of William Gomes in Porto's triumph, also valuing seeing Brazilian players in the spotlight in European competitions.

Did he talk to Willy Boly at Forest? Were there conversations about FC Porto?He recalls him as a great companion, who welcomed him when he arrived in England. The two used to comment on FC Porto games, maintaining a connection that Felipe cherishes as part of the Club's legacy.

What are the differences and similarities between Nottingham Forest and FC Porto?Notable differences exist mainly in playing style: Nottingham bets on a strong physical component and is still defining its identity, while FC Porto prioritizes possession, intensity, and patience. In common, they have significant European histories: both have won the Champions League twice and are traditional clubs, with passionate fans and a consolidated legacy.

Founded in 1865, Nottingham Forest is one of the oldest clubs in world football. Felipe considers that despite a period of stagnation, the club has been reborn in recent years, regaining its prominence in the Premier League and strengthening its tradition and fan base for upcoming challenges.

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