Mourinho: Farioli has the edge in Porto v Benfica, we lack it | OneFootball

José Mourinho believes that Porto has some advantage over Benfica ahead of the classic, due to the time Francesco Farioli has had to work with his team, something that hasn’t happened at the Luz club. The Benfica coach spoke with journalists at a press conference previewing the big match in Portuguese football – the virus affecting the Eagles’ squad was also a topic of conversation.

"We’re obviously at different stages. FC Porto has done a lot of work, they had a pre-season, didn’t play playoffs. There’s a lot of work there, the team is in good shape, has a clear structure, well-established dynamics, and the results are a consequence of all the work they’ve done, which we haven’t. Today was one of the few training sessions where I had the whole team, with the handicap that there’s a game tomorrow. The work is very much based on analysis and trying to get the team to grow. FC Porto has a good team, very solid, with the coach’s touch. But that doesn’t make them favorites," José Mourinho began by explaining.

The Benfica coach then commented on his previous remarks about Chelsea being superior to the northern rival: "There was no negative intention towards FC Porto. I could praise them more and say that I really like FC Porto’s team. But one thing is the world champion who plays to win the Premier League and another is the one who plays in the Portuguese league. They’re different contexts, my team played a good match against this team. If we played like that at Stamford Bridge, why can’t we play at FC Porto’s stadium?"

"Very good player, I had already noticed him both in person and on the computer. He works hard, gets into the box, is dangerous on set pieces or when arriving in the area. Very well integrated into the dynamic the coach brings to the team. But we have to be concerned about everyone," José Mourinho further explained, singling out his analysis of Froholdt.

José Mourinho wrapped up the topic with a strong statement. When asked about the possibility of leaving the Dragão with a seven-point disadvantage compared to their rivals, he replied: "And what if we leave just one point behind FC Porto? That could happen too...".

Recall here José Mourinho’s words:

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