FC Porto beat Sporting in Alvalade (2-1) and is now alone in the first place of the league. In his debut in classic matches, Francesco Farioli praised the “great effort and incredible spirit” of a group that, even without “Pepê and Gabri Veiga”, was able to play “a very mature and solid game” and honour “the legacy of Jorge Costa”. “It was further proof of our courage and desire to play and press. We took an important step, but it was just one more step”, said the Italian coach, reminding us that this is “only the beginning” of a “very long season”.

Worthy of Porto, as the Captain taught us
“The game was very positive. We suffered during the first 10 minutes, while we were trying to be aggressive, but then we managed it. The last 35 minutes of the first half were fantastic. I saw a great effort and an incredible spirit. We dedicate this victory to Jorge Costa, because there were many aspects of this game that honoured his legacy. This triumph is for him and his family.”

Step by step
“The goal was obviously the defining moment of the game, but I believe we could have scored in the first half. Overall, we played a very mature and solid game. There were moments when we were struggling, but we turned it around with dignity. It's further proof of our courage and desire to play and press. It was an important step, but it's just one step. Now we have a few days to recharge our batteries, and some players will represent their respective national teams and only return later. We are just at the beginning.”

A victory for everyone
“The season is very long, we have many games ahead of us and we will need everyone. At a difficult time, when we were without Pepê, Gabri Veiga and Samu had just recovered with a lot of effort, this was a victory for all Porto fans. The fans were fantastic.”

Rodrigo Mora
“He proved he belongs here and played a great game, with a lot of sacrifice. Quality is in his DNA. He played a mature and solid game, and I am very grateful for the help he gave the team.”

First classic
“It was a very well-played classic, with a lot of intensity, courage, desire to press and play, aggression and the ability to suffer when necessary, because we mustn't forget that we played at the home of the national champions, a team that hadn't lost at home in 24 games and had only lost once in the last 42. It's a special result, but we have to turn the page and keep working.”

Break for the national duty
“We have to be smart in how we intend to manage the next few days. We have some players who are going to the national teams and others who are staying here. It will be good for Pepê and Gabri Veiga to recover. Others will have the opportunity to work hard and improve some aspects. We will take advantage of this to prepare for the match against Nacional and the following ones.”

One step at a time
“I'm not thinking that far ahead yet. Whatever the result tonight, it would never be decisive. It was an important step and a well-earned result. The transfer window is not closed yet, and we will only have a clear picture of our situation at the end, but the priority remains our players and what they have done so far. We want to maintain the mentality we have shown during this period.”

Pablo Rosario's debut
“He has different characteristics to Rodrigo Mora. At that moment, we needed a different physical impact because the game was broken up, with more transitions, duels and aerial play, so it was important to freshen up the team. That's why I brought on Zaidu and Pablo Rosario. However, Rodrigo had a fantastic game tonight. Everyone gave their best.”

Matchday 4 of 34
“It was an important test and the result has given us confidence, but I must stress that it was only a small step in our process. We are happy with what the players have done and this victory is the result of two months of work. Starting tomorrow, this game is in the past and we are only thinking about the future.”

Transfer market
“A lot can happen in the next two days and it's difficult to predict what will happen. There are things that are beyond our control, but the president is trying to strengthen this team in the best way possible. Tomorrow we will get together and analyse the last hours of the transfer market.”

William Gomes
“William is an example in terms of attitude and mentality. He has already proven himself as a substitute and as a starter. Our goal is to have a group of 22 players at the same level, who are capable of starting or going in from the bench. The dynamic between Pepê and William is very good, they are very good friends and help each other a lot on the pitch. That healthy competition can only be beneficial.”

Sporting
“They have a very good team, with a lot of quality. We analysed many of their matches and they tried to do some things differently than usual in terms of build-up play and pressing, but in the end it turned out to be a very difficult match. Both teams did everything to win, our opponents were very organised and they were true champions.”