The air around FC Porto’s training grounds often hums with anticipation, but this week, a different kind of energy is brewing. Manager Francesco Farioli, speaking to Sport TV, laid out his reasoning for a significant shake-up in the starting eleven for Thursday’s clash against Red Star. He spoke with clear confidence in his players, explaining that the deep changes stem more from the hard work put in against Arouca than from trying to save players for the big game against Benfica. Farioli also took a moment to single out Ángel Alarcón and Zaidu for special praise.
Farioli believes in rotating his squad. He called it a normal part of managing a top team. He pointed out that after a period of lighter schedules, the team now faces a much tighter calendar. He has always operated this way, even back when he was with Ajax. For him, it is about making sure players have fresh energy and fresh legs. This approach also helps protect the players from overuse. The coach has full faith in his entire squad and what each player brings to the field. He noted that many players expected to start on Thursday have already featured in numerous starting lineups this season.
Keeping Players Fresh
It is vital for clubs playing in European competitions, those expecting to play more than 50 games each season, to plan carefully. While the immediate focus is always on the current match, managers must also protect their players. Keeping them as fresh as possible is key to success over a long season.
Bednarek’s presence in the lineup, for example, is all about finding the right balance. Farioli explained that they have a game plan, but Nehuén’s injury has unfortunately complicated their defensive options. This situation means Bednarek will definitely play.
Facing Red Star
Looking ahead to the opponent, Farioli showed respect for Red Star. He acknowledged their fantastic history, calling them the biggest club in their home country. He expects a very competitive match and stated that FC Porto must be fully prepared for the challenge.
The coach was very clear: his current team selections are not primarily about the upcoming Benfica match. Instead, they are a direct response to Monday’s tough game, where FC Porto played a full half with only 10 men. Playing short-handed is incredibly difficult for any team. The main goal for Thursday’s game is to focus on themselves and successfully put their own game plan into action. The Europa League format does not give teams many chances to drop points, and even goal difference can be important. He emphasized the need for his players to be ready to fight from the first whistle to the last.
Building a Collective Spirit
Farioli dismissed any worry about the team losing its identity through rotation. He believes it is hard to pick out just a few “key” players in the current squad. He highlighted that in recent games, players coming off the bench have made huge contributions. This shows a good balance across the entire team. He also spoke about Ángel Alarcón, noting that when he first arrived, Alarcón was not giving his all. However, Alarcón has since transformed himself, even losing a few kilograms, showing a real commitment to improvement.
Farioli also shared a powerful message for his team. He stated that the success they are finding now is not thanks to one or two individuals. It comes from their collective spirit. He fondly recalled the fantastic image of the 1-0 win in Salzburg. Yet, for him, an even better moment was the team’s reaction to Zaidu’s goal that made it 4-0. The entire bench ran 80 meters to celebrate with Zaidu, especially after his recent injury. This kind of shared passion, Farioli said, is what they must continue to work with every day.