FC Porto started the second turn of the championship with a win over Vitória SC (0-1) and Francesco Farioli praised “a team of workers” who “knew how to manage the moments when they had to suffer, were patient, and created several opportunities,” ultimately winning “a very complicated game” against “a very organized opponent” who “put extraordinary energy into the challenge.” For the Italian coach, “this victory means a lot,” as it was the “14th clean sheet of the season” and allowed the team to maintain its perfect away record: “We have earned 30 points in ten away games, and we have to thank the players for the work they have done.” 

Key to success
“The game was very difficult. Vitória SC played very well, but we also knew how to manage the moments when we had to suffer, we were patient and created several opportunities, Diogo made several saves. We have to be happy because we have earned 30 points in ten away games. We have to thank the players for the work they have done and be proud. We are not superheroes, we are a team of hard workers. We went into the game with the right energy against a very strong opponent.”

90 minutes in short
“We suffered a lot in the first half and needed to start winning duels and second balls. We had some difficulties pressing the right way for 15 or 20 minutes, but then we managed to improve. The energy that Vitória SC put into the game at the start was outstanding. They are a very organized team with very interesting physical profiles. We had difficulties, but we fought and managed to keep the result on our side.”

14 clean sheets
“This victory means a lot. If I’m not mistaken, it’s our 14th clean sheet, and today Diogo Costa helped us a lot in that regard, as did our defence. I’d like to say a word about Alan Varela, who came to the bench to ask to take the penalty. He showed great character, and I was very happy with his attitude.”

Alan Varela called to the penalty spot
“According to the hierarchy, William Gomes would have taken it, but as Alan Varela came to the bench to ask, I felt he was confident. He is a very important player, he never gives up, and taking the penalty was a great gesture. It was a moment of great pressure for a 19-year-old, so I think it was important that he took responsibility. William Gomes didn't mind. It was a gesture for the team. William was one of the first to celebrate with Alan Varela.”

The missed penalty
“Mistakes are part of football and should be left in the past. He was affected for the next two minutes, but that's normal. He's a big guy, but he's only 21. It's normal for him to feel that way, given the responsibility he has, but then he managed to turn it around and was better in the second half. We can't be at the top every day. We're not superheroes. At the end of the game, he came to apologize and I told him it wasn't necessary, especially after such an important victory."

Solutions on the bench
“The impact of the players who came off the bench helped us speed up the game. Oskar Pietuszewski won a penalty in five minutes, got a red card, and made an excellent entrance, as did William, Bednarek, and Mora. They all played an important role.”

Diogo Costa's performance
“Vitória SC had some excellent chances, but Diogo put in an outstanding performance. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. It's fantastic to see him in action. Of course, I prefer him to only have to get involved in the build-up, but there are times when he is needed, and today he helped us a lot, showing a lot of courage in coming off his line. In such an exciting, hard-fought game with so many duels, getting the three points is the most important thing.”

Half-time lesson
“At half time, I asked them to be patient, more effective in the fight for the ball, able to bring the ball to our side, and to slow down the pace. In the first half, we missed three or four final passes that could have led to great opportunities. In the second half, we improved our connection, Samu linked up very well, I can think of two occasions when that happened. I believe we improved the quality of our game, but there were moments when we had to suffer. Overall, it was a well-contested game. It's not easy to get three points at this ground, and having 30 points from ten away games is remarkable.”

Oskar Pietuszewski
“More than the penalty he won, I would like to highlight the first ball he fought for wearing the FC Porto shirt. It was an aerial duel played with a lot of energy, he won the first ball and showed a lot of aggression when winning the second ball. He showed a lot of initiative, if he hadn't been so eager to attack the ball, he wouldn't have won the penalty. The way he came on and the maturity he showed in his first game is remarkable. He is a young player, he has a lot to work on, but my first impressions are very good.”

Deniz Gül
“Deniz Gül also came on with a lot of attitude, won a lot of balls, and helped us change the dynamic in the 25 minutes he was on the field.”

Focus on the Europa League
“The classic is only in February, there is still a long way to go and we still have many games ahead of us. The next league game is against Gil Vicente on Monday, but before that we have to think about the Europa League. This result will help us fight for a place in the top 8 of the competition. We are focused on European competitions, when we return to Portugal after the game, we will think about the league again.”