What did Farioli promise for the new season?

Porto entered pre‑season as the Primeira Liga leader, with 88 points, 28 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses, having scored 66 goals and conceded only 18, six points ahead of Sporting CP. Coach Francesco Farioli declared that the team must preserve the "underdog" spirit that defines its history, even with this dominance.

How does the past shape Farioli's approach?

He recalled that when he arrived at the club, nobody expected such quick results. "When I got here, no one believed we could achieve so much so fast," he said. That experience, according to Farioli, serves as a warning: the squad cannot slip into autopilot. The coach wants to return to basics, rebuild processes and add new elements that will be decisive next season.

Why is the "underdog" still essential?

Farioli explained that Porto's DNA includes the desire to challenge opponents, regardless of ranking advantage. "We have the responsibility of being champions, but we need to keep the same underdog spirit, a team that wants to surprise," he noted. This mindset, he believes, helps offset any disadvantages and keeps competitiveness across all competitions, including the Champions League.

What changes in the relationship with key players?

Regarding captain Diogo Costa, Farioli laughed that the criticism isn’t as harsh as it sounds, but acknowledged the goalkeeper’s quality. "He is our captain and will remain so," he affirmed, adding that Costa returned focused after the national team break. The coach highlighted that all players came back in great shape, reflecting well‑spent holidays and intense pre‑season work.

What’s the next step for FC Porto?

Farioli concluded that, despite trophies in the museum, the squad must forget comparisons and focus on the present. The goal is to improve on the 49 points out of 51 possible last season, though he admits the margin is narrow. The coach expects that the blend of discipline, process renewal and the underdog mentality will lead the club to new successes, both in Portugal and Europe.