FC Porto beat Malmö FF (2-1) at home, for the sixth round of the Europa League, and Francesco Farioli said he was “happy with the victory” and with “the positive things the team did during the game”, even after the “goal conceded in the final minutes” that “could be decisive” for the qualification. “It was important to win, even though the result did not change our position. I am happy with the victory, but we could have scored more”, said the Italian coach before turning his attention to “the next league game” against Estrela da Amadora (Monday, 20h45). 

Important result
“It was important to win, even though the result didn't change our position. The goal difference could be decisive, and conceding a goal in the final minutes left me frustrated. During the first 10 minutes, we were trying to figure out how the opponent was going to approach the game, and then we had three chances to score. I'm happy with the victory, but we could have scored more.”

Changes to the team
“I'll have to review the game, but I didn't get the feeling that the second half was slow. We weren't at our best during the first 10 minutes and the last four, but I'm happy with the team. Eustáquio came on very well, he helped the team, as did Deniz Gül and Ángel Alarcón. That's how I want them to come on and push the team forward, improving the quality, pace and intensity. It was a good result, now we have to switch our focus to the next league game.”

A goal out of nowhere
“We are very demanding in our work, we want to be perfect, but perfection does not exist. We cannot concede a goal in the last few minutes, but that does not take away from the positive things we did during the game.”

Victor Froholdt
“He'll rest with the rest of the team tomorrow and then get back to work to help us. He's young, he's fit, and he can easily play 90 minutes.”

The number 8's chances
“He had three great chances and didn't score, but if we compare it to the first few games, we can see that he's getting better and better. The number of chances he gets is extraordinary. If he starts scoring from all of them, his value will reach another level. He's growing a lot. He still needs to improve in some areas, but I'm very happy with his performance. He's on the right track, and if he continues like this, his statistics will get better and better.”

Pablo Rosario
“It's no surprise to me, because I've known him well for a few years now. I see him as a soldier because of the way he applies himself and dedicates himself, and sometimes I even forget how good he is at understanding the game and taking on the role of a box-to-box midfielder who can play in any position, but especially the impact he has when he plays in his own position. He played a great game tonight, both offensively and defensively, looking for deep passes, solid in every duel, showing good control and balance, so I'm very happy for him. There's no direct competition between him and Varela because they've both been playing very well. It's good to have players at this level, like Pablo, who can cover several positions, and Alan Varela, who has had a great season and adds a lot of quality with the ball. We are very lucky to have two defensive midfielders with these characteristics and this quality.”

The first 10 minutes
“Malmö FF haven't played much because their domestic competitions are over and their last game was against Nottingham Forest, so we prepared six different scenarios. The first few minutes were important for us to understand how we were going to approach the game. I like that the fans are demanding and want to see the team always shine, but I think that although we could have done better in the first 10 minutes, we had some good moments with the ball. The first goal came from a play between Mora and Pablo in a very tight space, as did the second, so we also had some good moments. Still, I didn't like the first 10 minutes, nor the last four.”

Zaidu's absence
“We haven't had any response from the Nigerian Football Federation yet. We're trying to get him to stay until the game against FC Famalicão and, if all goes well, we'll get the green light, but we don't know yet.”

Rodrigo Mora
“His contribution has been important, especially in the final third and in the second half of the build-up. The play that led to our first goal was created by him. He did well, provided an assist and had other moments where he showed great quality. He showed a good defensive attitude and played well, despite not being in the best physical shape, because yesterday he left training feeling pain in a leg. I really liked seeing him make this sacrifice for the team.”

Options for the midfield
“Pablo is a player who gives us a lot and has played almost every game in different positions. My belief in his work is clear, but I can't forget what Alan Varela has done, from his attitude to his spirit and quality with the ball. The defensive midfielder position is a key one, not only because of the player who plays there, but because of how he connects with those around him. I always take the team into account, but I am very happy with the work of both players, because they play a key role in the team.”