After “a game with special significance” for allowing the team to “celebrate the title with the fans,” Francesco Farioli expressed satisfaction at “ending with a victory” against Santa Clara (1-0), but he highlighted the “show off the field,” which “was just a preview of what will happen at Aliados.”

Asked about the debuts of João Costa and Bernardo Lima, the coach stated that the goalkeeper “deserved it greatly for everything he has brought to the team since day one in terms of presence, commitment, and demonstrating what FC Porto’s DNA is,” and that fielding the young midfielder was also with an eye toward “the future that lies ahead of him, which will surely be brilliant.” Regarding the importance of Nehuén Pérez’s return, the coach was emphatic: “It was fantastic to have him back because he is important and very cherished by everyone.”

A show off the field
“It was a game with special significance because we were able to celebrate the title with our fans. It was good to end with a victory, but the real show was off the field. It was just a preview of what will happen later at Aliados.”

Rodrigo Mora as the striker
“It was something we did three times this season, for just a few minutes. Today we really wanted to finish the game with Rodrigo Mora on the field and bring in Gabri Veiga, so that was the solution agreed upon by the coaching staff. It’s a possibility; we’ll see what ideas we implement next season.”

The debuts of João Costa and Bernardo Lima
“João Costa really deserved this moment for everything he’s brought to the team since day one in terms of presence, commitment, and embodying the DNA of FC Porto. Everyone saw how the players celebrated the save he made. We’re a family, and João Costa plays a very important role in this group. As for Bernardo Lima’s debut, it was well-deserved for what he’s done with FC Porto and the national team, and also considering the future that lies ahead of him, which I’m sure will be brilliant. It all depends on his work ethic, his ability to develop, and being ready when the opportunity arises.”

The return of Nehuén Pérez
“That injury against CD Nacional at the start of the season was a tough moment for everyone. He was out for almost ten months, and it was fantastic to have him back because he’s important and very dear to everyone.”

Time to celebrate
“For the first time, I’m saying it’s time to celebrate. It was a well-deserved title; we were in first place from the first day to the last. I’ve already expressed my gratitude to everyone who works with me in recent press conferences. Today is another day to praise this group, the players, the staff, and especially the Board and the Club, for everything they’ve given us. The players managed to have a fantastic season.”

Ready for the future
“The list of what we want to do is ready, we’re completely aligned on the players we’d like to have in the future, but now is the time to give credit to all these athletes because they had a fantastic season. I don’t think it makes sense to talk more about that right now.”

2026/27 in preparation
“Ever since we mathematically secured the title, we had a goal: to reach 91 points. We managed to reach 88, the third-best record in the league’s history, which is not ideal, but still very good. We tried to finish the season strong, with a win we achieved today. In our free time, we’ve tried to anticipate and prepare for the demands the new season will bring, not only in terms of signings but also in terms of how we can improve internally and structurally. Everyone has the rest of the week off until Monday, because celebrating is important too, and, starting Tuesday, we’ll be completely focused on the upcoming season.”

The Blue Sea that never failed to support us
“I felt very welcomed from day one. The club and the players welcomed me with open arms, and from the very start, we hit the ground running. Throughout the season, with the ups and downs that naturally occur, we always stuck together. We played 32 of the 34 games as if we were playing at home. In the other two, we were outnumbered, but we made enough noise to do our part. The fans’ support was remarkable; they never failed to back the team, and that was the first step toward victory. We want to maintain this energy next season, if possible, even more so, because that’s what we really need.”

A fantastic duo in goal
“Both Cláudio Ramos and João Costa played a key role this season. Competing with a goalkeeper of Diogo Costa’s calibre is very difficult. We all know what he’s worth, not only as a player but also as a leader, and they did a fantastic job behind the scenes at the Training Centre. I think of so many days following the games, very important periods for us, when they were crucial in raising the level. Their value was invisible from the outside, but from the inside, that value is clear, and the way the players reacted today when João Costa came on is proof of that.”

Undefeated at Home in the League
“The power of our fans, that feeling of truly playing at home, has been a game-changer this season. I hope the same happens next season, if possible with even more intensity.”

The starting point for next season
“We have to pick up where we left off, but without ever forgetting where we started this season. We must maintain humility and a spirit of sacrifice. The title and the celebrations last until tomorrow, and, after that, what’s done is done. Football will bring us new challenges, and we have to focus on what comes next. There will be a lot to play for.”

Together against everyone
“The unity we’ve had since day one has been our greatest strength. The season brought us many challenges; we faced some extra ones on and off the field, but the team always found a way to double down on our efforts, which is very important at FC Porto. We closed out the season with a striking image of the whole team running back in one of the final plays of the game. That’s what we have to carry into next season because we’ll have new battles ahead of us.”

The celebration in Braga
“Actually, that celebration was the culmination of everything that had happened in the game. We played very well; we were at a disadvantage because of that penalty, which we could debate, and the team’s reaction was fantastic. The substitutes brought that extra effort that allowed us to turn the game around on a difficult field. It was one of those games where emotion spoke louder, right before the international break.”

Arriving in Porto
“I have a photo of my arrival in Porto on my WhatsApp, that was the first step. My family has always been by my side every step of the way, just as it naturally should be, and I gave them my medal because they truly deserve it.”

A title for everyone
“I’ve learned a lot over the past year. The big difference from last year is that I found a club here made up of people who truly gave me the best conditions to do my job and who invested in this season just as much as I did. I’m talking about the president; Tiago Madureira and Henrique Monteiro, who were always with me at Olival; and my fantastic coaching staff. This title belongs to everyone. I’m very happy to have been able to steer things in the right direction and bring the trophy to Estádio do Dragão.”

Highest standards
“We set very high standards and are always looking for what we could have done better. In both Cups, we could have performed differently, but if we’re rational, we’ve achieved something incredible. We started nine points behind the others last season, but finishing with six more points, or whatever the margin ends up being, is very good. It’s another title for our history, but what matters most is the present and what lies ahead.”