Farioli claims superior performance previously with Porto and recalls Ajax spell

Following a difficult campaign at Ajax during which the title went to PSV after a lead of nine points Francesco Farioli enjoyed triumph this year capturing the league title with FC Porto.

Yet the manager of the powerful Dragons side looks back fondly on his time at the Dutch outfit.

If I am to give my true view I believe my performance was superior in the prior campaign. That is we lacked a trophy to present to supporters but that does not lessen our joint achievements. Admittedly this marks my initial trophy as a manager yet my biggest success came last year he stated.

The Italian also confessed to feeling connected with Amsterdam.

I love the city. My family does too. We love Amsterdam the club and the people within the club. The board members the staff and of course the players. You know how strong our bond was. How close knit we were. And of course we felt we were so close to giving everyone something truly special. But in the end it did not work out he concluded.

After a strong campaign last season the Amsterdam team normally dominant in Dutch football fell to fifth position and must win the Eredivisie play offs to reach the UEFA Conference League.