FC Porto got off to a flying start in the league by beating Vitória SC 3-0, and Francesco Farioli praised the attitude of a group that had experienced “a very difficult week”, but “knew how to react and honour the legacy” of the legendary captain. In his debut in national competitions, the Italian coach was pleased with the “support of the fans”, who “were wonderful” and helped the team demonstrate “a certain intensity and aggressiveness” and play “a game that Jorge Costa would have loved to see”.

Special dedication
“The players must be very happy with what they did in terms of commitment, desire and attention to all the small details. The last week was very complicated, but we reacted well and honoured Jorge's legacy. All these days have been very emotional, but tonight we played a game that Jorge would have loved to see.”

Debut in the League
“We want to play with intensity and pace. We are still far from that condition, and today in the second half we slowed down. Vitória SC had already played ten games before this one, for us this is only the sixth, so it's normal that we're still trying to find the right rhythm. I wanted to see a certain intensity and aggressiveness in the duels and in the mentality, and it was easy to demonstrate that today, especially with the support of the fans, who were wonderful. The energy of the stadium and the celebrations after each duel are things we want to implement more and more. We want to see our home always full and with this spirit.”

Martim Fernandes
“We still don't know what he has, he will be evaluated in the coming days. We are with him and we will be attentive.”

Samu and Luuk de Jong
“Samu knows what my expectations are regarding his work, and he has his own expectations. He is very motivated and wants to have a good season. He is a young player with a lot of potential, and everything he has done is for himself and the team. Luuk de Jong is here to help. It is very good to have two strikers at this level who can both start and come on as substitutes. It is very good to have them both.”

Medical report
“Bednarek wasn't injured, but we decided to take him off as a precaution. We'll have to assess Martim Fernandes' case tomorrow.”

On the right track
“We need to improve in many areas. In the second half, we slowed down and lost intensity, we lost control of the ball, and we made some technical errors that led to more transitions. There is much to improve, we need to raise our physical level, and although we played well, we are far from the level we want to achieve. We faced a team that caused us difficulties in their last two visits to Estádio do Dragão and that today, once again, presented itself as very organised. We have to improve, but I believe we are on the right track. Tomorrow we go back to work.”

Rodrigo Mora
“Rodrigo was an important player last season, is being important this season and will continue to be so. There is no doubt about that. He is very talented, but coaches have to make decisions. He could have gone in, but the dynamics of the game led me to make other decisions. Even so, there is no doubt about what he means to the club and to me. It is great to have a player with this talent, and it is a huge responsibility to help him develop. He has to continue working as he has been doing. The season is long, I like to use all the players and he will find his place. I am sure he will contribute this season.”

Pepê
“He wants to play an important role at FC Porto, he is very motivated and recently gave an interview in which he confessed that he wanted to stay here and be even more important to the squad. For my part, I like having a player with this level of maturity. He has to keep working, we weren't the ones who discovered his talent with the ball, but his spirit of sacrifice and effort for the team was remarkable. I am happy and hope to have other games at this level.”

Tributes to the Captain
“It was unique and very emotional. We have had an indescribable week. The effort the players made to be together and remain focused on the game, always with great respect for Jorge's memory, was unique. Tonight's tributes were spectacular and well deserved for everything Jorge represents at the Club and will always represent.”

Varela dropping back
“It’s a solution we have. When we’re further back, we like to use the defensive midfielder as a defender, and Alan Varela did a fantastic job, both with the ball and defensively. Tonight, everyone played well, both the starters and those who went in.”