FC Porto regressed to old habits of victimization and siege
FC Porto promised modernity and sophistication, but the new leadership resorted to old methods of victimization and siege, showing a deep regression. The promise presented to the members was absolutely clear and seductive: modernity, sophistication, and a total break with the climate of tension that suffocated Portuguese football.
What happened?
When André Villas-Boas defeated Pinto da Costa, with a crushing majority, in the FC Porto elections in 2024, the promise presented to the members was absolutely clear and seductive: modernity, sophistication, and a total break with the climate of tension that suffocated Portuguese football. The foundational discourse of this new era promised a European, urban institution, capable of winning exclusively by merit.
Why it matters for FC Porto?
The vertigo of results on the pitch and the harsh demands of power have the ability to accelerate the temptation of returning to the past. The Porto structure perceived that the fastest and most effective way to galvanize their troops continued to be the old and tested food of confrontation: victimization, siege theory, and the incessant search for an external enemy.
What comes next?
The last example of this deep regression took place this Saturday, through the voice of Francesco Farioli. The young Italian coach dedicated the first 12 minutes of his press conference to the case of Rodrigo Mora - a duration that surpasses, by itself, many entire conferences in the League -, to launch ironic barbs at the press and the centralization of the country.
FC Porto in the 2025-26 season
FC Porto is currently leading the Primeira Liga, with 88 points, 28 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses, in 34 games. They are 6 points ahead of Sporting CP and have a goal difference of +48. The last result of FC Porto was a 1-0 win over Santa Clara, on May 16, 2026.
Image prompt
A photograph of Francesco Farioli, FC Porto coach, with a serious and concentrated expression, while speaking at a press conference. He is wearing the FC Porto jersey, with blue and white colors, and has a coaching kit with the same colors. The photograph should be taken with an 85mm lens, f/1.4, with a reduced depth of field and a background illumination with neon lights.
