After weeks of speculation, it is now official: Francesco Farioli, the innovative and highly regarded Italian football manager, will become the new head coach of FC Porto. Late Thursday evening, Farioli arrived at Porto airport with his wife and two children, where they were greeted by Porto director Henrique Monteiro. With only final formalities left, the former Ajax coach is set to sign a two-year contract at Estádio do Dragão.
Managerial Shake-up at Porto
Farioli will take over from Martín Anselmi, who departed after Porto's disappointing FIFA Club World Cup campaign—just six months into his tenure. Anselmi had replaced Vítor Bruno, who was let go at the end of December, and before that, Sergio Conceição's exit marked another managerial change. Porto endured a frustrating season, finishing third behind rivals Sporting and Benfica.
The Porto board is eager to restore domestic dominance. Farioli, known for his tactical creativity and rapport with young talent, is seen as a coach who can revive the team's fortunes and mount a serious title challenge next season.
Kenneth Taylor Transfer Target
One of Farioli's first wishes is to reunite with Kenneth Taylor, the talented Ajax midfielder. Farioli is reportedly keen to bring Taylor to Porto, hoping his dynamic style will bolster Porto's midfield if a deal can be finalized.
For Porto fans, the hope is clear: that Farioli's energetic pressing game and new ideas will inject fresh momentum into the squad. For Farioli himself, leading a prestigious club in one of Europe's major leagues is another exciting step in his managerial journey. High ambitions and expectations are set for the summer transfer window, with many wondering whether more Ajax players will follow their coach to Portugal.
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As this new era for Porto begins—and with the strong possibility of Ajax's key players joining—fans may start to dream of reclaiming glory in the coming season.
Source: https://www.soccernews.nl/news/ajax-transfer-na-farioli-handtekening/