Porto manager Francesco Farioli has revealed a deeply moving conversation with veteran defender Thiago Silva, fueling hopes that the Brazilian international could yet earn a place in the national team for the upcoming World Cup. The exchange took place prior to Porto’s recent draw with Sporting, and according to Farioli, left many in the dressing room visibly emotional.
Farioli, appointed as Porto’s head coach in July 2025, is attempting to reshape the club’s identity after a period of domestic underperformance. Last season, Porto finished third in the Primeira Liga, a significant 23 points behind champions Sporting Portugal. The Italian tactician signed a two-year contract, tasked with restoring Porto to its former glory and competing for national titles.
The 36-year-old Farioli arrived at the Estádio do Dragão with a reputation for tactical innovation, having previously managed Ajax and Nice. His philosophy centers around a proactive, possession-based style of play, aiming for greater control of matches and a sharper tactical framework. His appointment signaled a clear intent from Porto president André Villas-Boas to evolve the club, moving away from previous approaches.
The situation with Thiago Silva, however, adds a compelling human element to Farioli’s project. The 41-year-old defender, a mainstay of Brazilian football for over a decade, expressed a desire to represent his country at another World Cup. Farioli stated that Silva shared this ambition during their first conversation, and the manager is determined to provide him with the platform to achieve it.
“In the first conversation that we had, he revealed to me that playing in another World Cup for Brazil is a dream that he has,” Farioli explained after the match against Sporting. “Hopefully You can provide him with the best platform to convince Ancelotti to call him up.”
The impact of Silva’s pre-match address to the team was profound. “Today he spoke before the game. He gave a speech and almost all of us left the dressing room with tears in our eyes,” Farioli recounted. “He is 41 years old and continues to take notes on what we discuss and to question doubts about football. He is very humble. For me, as a young coach, it is a privilege to work with a player like him.”
Farioli’s praise extends beyond Silva’s on-field abilities. He highlighted the veteran’s dedication to continuous learning and his willingness to engage with tactical discussions, even at this stage of his career. This intellectual curiosity, Farioli believes, makes Silva a valuable asset both on and off the pitch.
The manager acknowledged the challenge of integrating Silva into his system, but expressed confidence that the defender’s experience and quality would be instrumental in Porto’s pursuit of their objectives. “I hope he helps us achieve our goals and gives him the opportunity to be part of the Brazilian national team in the World Cup,” Farioli added.
Farioli’s arrival at Porto followed a period of instability, with the club dismissing both Vítor Bruno and Martín Anselmi within a year under Villas-Boas’s leadership. The appointment of the Italian was seen as a bold move, a gamble on a young, up-and-coming manager with a clear tactical vision. PortuGOAL described Farioli as the “philosopher’s stone” for FC Porto, suggesting he could be the key to unlocking the club’s potential.
His tactical approach, as evidenced by analysis of his time at Nice, often involves a 4-3-3 formation and a focus on positional play. At Porto, he has already begun to transform the team’s build-up from the back, emphasizing a more structured and controlled approach. The goalkeeper and centre-backs are heavily involved in possession, with the defensive pivot often dropping between the central defenders to create numerical superiority.
Full-backs are encouraged to invert centrally, while the two No. 8s occupy advanced positions, linking play between midfield and the front three. The wide forwards are tasked with stretching the play but also being ready to cut inside or receive passes between the lines, creating a dual threat of width and central overloads.
While the tactical adjustments are significant, Farioli’s ability to connect with players like Thiago Silva on a personal level could prove to be equally important. The manager’s willingness to listen to experienced players and create a positive team environment suggests a leadership style that could foster a sense of unity and purpose within the squad.
The coming months will be crucial for both Farioli and Porto. The team faces a demanding schedule, with at least 50 games expected across all competitions. Success will depend on their ability to adapt to Farioli’s tactical system, integrate new signings effectively, and maintain a consistent level of performance throughout the season. And, for Thiago Silva, it will be a chance to prove that age is no barrier to achieving his dreams on the international stage.
