Francesco Farioli is an outsider for the Chelsea job this summer after guiding Porto to the Portuguese title this weekend, and the Italian has earned praise from a £73m-rated Chelsea target.
A 1-0 win over Alverca on Saturday saw Porto clinch the league title ahead of Jose Mourinho’s unbeaten Benfica. After a difficult spell in charge of Ajax, Farioli’s stock has never been higher as a manager.
DISCUSS: Farioli’s winning mentality is exactly what Chelsea need.
Three wins every four games is remarkable.
He has enjoyed a stunning campaign in which Porto have won 27 of their 32 league games, losing only once. Indeed, Farioli’s win rate as Porto manager is a sliver under 75%, or three wins every four games.
While Xabi Alonso, Marco Silva and Andoni Iraola are the strongest contenders to take the job after Calum McFarlane’s interim spell, Chelsea are supposedly pushing hard to convince Farioli to take over.
Victor Froholdt raves about Porto manager Francesco Farioli
Lofty Denmark international Victor Froholdt has played a key role in Porto’s title victory, after his move from Copenhagen last summer. One appearance shy of 50, Froholdt has clocked up 14 goals and assists.
Signed by Farioli, the midfielder’s form has caught the eye of Chelsea in the last few weeks. Correio da Manha reports that Chelsea are among the sides interested in him, but he would cost a massive £73m.
Quoted after Porto’s title win, Froholdt was quoted by Tribal Football as praising the work of his manager, amid the reports that both are on Chelsea’s shortlist. The midfielder praised the tactical side of Farioli.
“The coach kept us united all season. He was great tactically. It’s very well deserved on his part. Last year, he couldn’t do it with Ajax; now he has. He can be very proud of himself,” Froholdt said following the win.
Francesco Farioli should be considered just as highly as others
When given the keys to a side capable of winning a title, it is always difficult to then go and deliver. Yet, Farioli has done it, and done it in style. A stunning campaign, in which Farioli has done it in his own way.
Xabi Alonso is the BEST candidate for the Chelsea job 👌
Andre Villas-Boas, the former Chelsea manager and current Porto president, is delighted with his gaffer. The Portuguese supremo described Farioli as “revolutionary” during the Porto celebrations this weekend.
Porto’s fans were not particularly enthused when Farioli was inserted as manager. Now, Porto fans are desperate for the club to pull out all the stops in an attempt to keep him. Chelsea have to try their luck.
Silva, Iraola and Alonso are all excellent managers and while Chelsea want Premier League experience when picking their next boss, Farioli’s winning mentality is something Chelsea have to consider.
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