Francesco Farioli Previews Europa League Clash with Stuttgart, Reflects on Benfica Draw

FC Porto manager Francesco Farioli is looking ahead to Thursday’s Europa League round of 16 first leg against Stuttgart, emphasizing the need to build on the positive aspects of their recent 2-2 draw with Benfica whereas addressing areas for improvement. Farioli also confirmed Borja Sainz will start in Germany.

Stuttgart Challenge

Farioli described Stuttgart as a “extremely good opponent,” highlighting their strong Bundesliga form. “It is one of the most interesting teams, it has a performance very good in the Bundesliga. This says a lot about the opponent,” he stated. He noted tactical similarities between the two sides, particularly their high-pressing style. “A team that, like us, likes to press high. We share the best parameters in terms of pressure and the desire to win the ball back in the Europa League and the respective championships. We have similarities. With the ball, it is a team that has a good structure, they have worked with the same coach for three years. They like to play. I expect an open game, with teams that will face each other with very high levels of attitude and respect.”

Reflections on the Benfica Draw

Despite the positive result at Estádio da Luz, Farioli pinpointed areas where Porto could have been more clinical. He referenced a statement from José Mourinho, noting, “Mr Mourinho’s statement after the game is evident, he said that we went there to play and win, with an aggressive attitude with and without the ball.” Farioli believes Porto controlled the game for 75 minutes but conceded opportunities in the final 15 minutes, ultimately costing them the win. “There is good energy to draw from and some things to learn quickly, particularly in both areas. We had the opportunity to close the game several times. The two goals were two situations that we should have done better.”

Squad Update: Sainz to Start, Focus on Youth

Farioli confirmed that Borja Sainz will feature in the starting lineup for the match against Stuttgart. He also highlighted the importance of squad depth, with upcoming matches against Moreirense and SC Braga demanding a fully prepared team. “Borja was also with the team and had minutes [na Luz]. This game will start,” Farioli said. He also praised the contribution of younger players, noting that the goals against Benfica were scored by players born in 2006 and 2008. “We fielded a very young team, with an average age of around 23, and the goals were scored by players from the next generation, born in 2006 and 2008.”

As of March 11, 2026, Francesco Farioli is the head coach of FC Porto. Source