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Ahead of tonight’s match versus FC Porto at the Emirates Stadium in the UEFA Champions League, we have done a Q&A with one of their supporters. Thank you to Rui from The Porto Podcast in English for answering the questions! The match is live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate at 20:00 and the referee is Clément Turpin.
How long have you supported FC Porto?
I’ve supported Porto for as long as I can remember. My first kit was a 1997 Sergio Conceição (our current manager) Porto jersey.
What were and now are your hopes and expectations for the 2023/24 season?
I had pretty high expectations this year. We had a really impressive transfer window that filled the gaps in the midfield and attack from the prior season but the gaps weren’t totally filled on defence. I expected us to win the league and potentially make a quarter-final appearance in the CL.
Now, our season hasn’t really turned out as we hoped but I think we are currently finding our stride. My hope is to finish in the Champions League spot in the league and go as far as possible in the Champions League. Champions League money is so crucial for a club like ours.
What are your views on your manager?
I think Sergio is one of the best managers in the history of Porto and one of the most underrated managers in the world. He’s not the greatest tactician but he’s an excellent motivator and man manager. He’s achieved a lot with limited resources during his tenure and I think his ability to get the best out of average players is arguably his biggest trait. On top of that, he was a club legend as a player and shows how much he loves the club. It’s more than just a job for him.
Style of play and tactics – direct/passing/hybrid?
We started the season in Sergio’s favourite 4-4-2 but then recently switched to 4-2-3-1. It plays more to this squad’s strengths. We play very organized and press off the ball. Since Otávio has been integrated to the starting line up Porto have been able to play a higher defensive line and it has worked out better for our Defense. Attacking wise we do most of our creating from our wingers, they’re technically gifted and very quick and compliment our full backs who love to run overlaps and whip crosses into the box.
One(s) to watch now and in the future?
I think Varela needs to have another great performance, he was our anchor back there screening the backline and cleaning plays up. Arsenal are going to have their guns loaded so Diogo Costa is going to have to communicate well with the back 4 & make some big saves as well.
For the future, Porto have a lot of young players with great potential. I think Chico Conceicao, Diogo Costa, & Alan Varela that have the potential to be the top 5 players in their position. Those three have been immense seem to be getting better and better each time they get on the pitch.
Random fact about your Club?
Our club President, Pinto da Costa is the most decorated President in world football with 68 trophies & the longest-tenured president in world football.
Which were your favourite and least favourite matches involving FC Porto?
M favourite has to be vs Monaco in 2004 to win our 2nd Champions League.
My least favourite was probably against Inter in the Round of 16 last year. Getting passed them would’ve given us a quarter-final vs Benfica & decent chance to the Final given the side of the bracket we were in.
Which sides do you think will finish in the top four of Liga Portugal and which do you think will finish in the bottom three?
Sporting, Porto, Benfica, and Braga in that order for the top four. The bottom three Portimonense, Vizela, & Chaves.
What are your thoughts on Arsenal?
I think Arsenal are a great side and are very well-coached. A complete squad with a great midfield and deadly attackers. Saka is class.
If you could steal one Arsenal player for your team, who would it be and why?
I love Saka but I think Odegaard would be the game changer at the number 10 for us. We don’t have a true number 10 (Pepê is naturally a winger).
What is your prediction for this match?
Porto can’t allow Arsenal to get a goal early or have any momentum going into the 2nd half. If, Arsenal score early I think it is game over for us. Arsenal click so well when they get into a rhythm. Porto are also a tough and organized side defensively that brings out a lot of intensity that frustrates a lot of dynamic sides like Arsenal. I’m praying for a 1-1 draw here.
