The atmosphere around Dragão Arena crackled with a new kind of energy this Thursday. A familiar face, Paulo Freitas, led FC Porto’s team for his very first training session. Freitas, the acclaimed coach who recently steered the national side to their 22nd European title, is back at the helm of the club close to his heart.
Returning to FC Porto is more than just another job for Freitas. He spoke to the club’s website, clearly emotional about his comeback. “It’s an honor to be back at this great club,” he stated. “This place feels like home. I had happy times here as a player and when I first started coaching.” He views this step as crucial in his career, filled with happiness and motivation. He also acknowledged the significant challenge ahead, hoping to live up to the responsibility and the club’s grand reputation.
The target for the upcoming season is crystal clear: a third consecutive championship. Pressure? Freitas isn’t phased. “I’m comfortable with it,” he confidently declared. He pointed to the team’s exceptional athletes and their outstanding quality. “We clearly aim for the three-peat. We had what it took to win the second title, so now we’ll work hard for a huge goal: to be national champions for the third time.”
Freitas’s connection to the players runs incredibly deep. “I’ve known these players since they were very young,” he explained. “Just a fun fact: Gonçalo Alves was one of my youth players at FC Porto. He was still in the B-team age group back then.” This kind of history gives him a unique insight. He knows their potential, their ambition, and their drive to bring joy to the supporters. He promised they would work calmly but with immense confidence, laser-focused on their objectives and on bringing more trophies to the club.
Freitas outlined his tactical philosophy for the team. “We’ll be a versatile team,” he promised. “But we won’t forget FC Porto’s core spirit. We’ll fight for every win until we’re completely spent.” He envisions a flexible squad, able to adapt to different game situations. “Above all, we will be ambitious, determined, and brave. We’ll play with heart and soul, but also with smart tactics. The goal is simple: to win.”
