The coach of FC Porto, Francesco Fariolianticipated this Saturday, November 29th, that the game on Sunday (29th), against Estoril Praia, in the 12th round of the I Football League, will require your team to “pay attention to every detail”.
“It’s a difficult game, against a team that is in a good phase. They attack with great mobility, they are very fluid in their construction and positioning. It’s a game that presents many scenarios and, Above all, it demands attention to every possible detail.”said the ‘dragons’ coach, at the preview press conference.
The coach regretted the reduced preparation time for this challenge, due to the commitment of the Europa League [frente ao Nice, na vitória por 3-0] in the middle of the week, but guaranteed to have a “reactive group”.
“We have a squad with the ability to quickly understand the opponent’s dynamics. We will continue to prepare the team, naturally with the right keys and instructions, to be ready”, he guaranteed.
Francesco Farioli, who, if he wins this game with Estoril, reaches 100 assets in his career as a coach, was confronted with an article written by the club’s president, André Villas-Boas, in which the director spoke of possible “pitfalls” in FC Porto’s path.
“We have to remain alert to react and be able to find the appropriate answers. But there are quite obvious things, such as the calendar, which is something that I have already commented on, but which, unfortunately, is a topic that continues to exist. I’m happy to have a president so close, who is so on top of the club’s daily activities”, said Farioli.
Still regarding the demands of the calendar, the coach was asked about the solutions he has in the squad to approach the various competitions, showing himself satisfied with the group’s response.
“We have prepared the players to be exposed to these scenarios and they have responded very well in training and in the game. But, of course, in the long term, it is necessary to maintain physical and mental freshness, which is why we try to rotate, especially because our squad is balanced”, he analyzed.
Even so, the FC Porto coach acknowledged that, when the market reopens in January, there may be room for some adjustments in the group.
“So far we have managed to react well to the two major injuries we have had and I believe we can still improve. The focus is always on the next game. In January and then, with next season’s opportunities, we will analyze how we can improve and give the group even more balance”, he shared.
The FC Porto coach also spoke about the future of the club’s five Portuguese players who became under-17 world champions, considering that age is not an obstacle to showing talent in the main team.
“I have always given young players chances to make their debut in professional football. Before starting to train with us, you will have specific support from members of the technical team, who will work very closely and individually. We are attentive to your potential”, he guaranteed.
Farioli also addressed the good moment in the team of Spanish midfielder Gabri Veiga, who, in the last game, against Nice, scored two goals.
“I think there is still room for improvement, not because he is not performing at the level I want, but because I believe he has more to give. My expectations are high. In the last three or four weeks he has been a different player, stronger and more capable of being decisive”, he analyzed.
Regarding the physical problems of Alan Varela, who left at half-time in the last match, the Porto coach admitted that the player remains in doubt.
“After the game against Nice, we had two or three players with some problems and, given the short rest time, it is difficult to recover. But, the medical staff is working hard to bring them back”, he shared.
FC Porto, leader of the championship, with 31 points, this Sunday hosts Estoril Praia, ninth, with 13, in a match scheduled for 8:30 pm, refereed by André Narciso, from the Setúbal Football Association.