In recent years, the success rate of Varela's pass has been one of the most talked-about aspects of FC Porto's football career. The club has consistently produced players who have scored goals through their passing, and it is often cited as a key factor in their overall performance.
One manager, Fernando Santos, has long been known for his approach to coaching, which involves creating a strong defensive line while also relying on tactical flexibility to exploit the strengths of opponents. Santos' philosophy has been to create opportunities for players to create space behind the defense, and he has seen this technique pay dividends for his team.
According to Santos himself, "Passing is the best way to win matches." He credits the success of his team with its ability to effectively use passes to create scoring opportunities, and he believes that this is what separates them from other teams in the league.
One example of this can be found in the recent season when FC Porto faced off against Real Sociedad. In the first half, Varela's pass was crucial in creating chances for their striker, Cristiano Ronaldo. Santos' tactical approach allowed him to exploit Real Sociedad's defensive gaps, and the result was a 2-1 victory for Varela.
Another example came in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final against Inter Milan. Varela's pass played a critical role in the final minutes of the match, allowing their striker, Nuno Menezes, to score the winner. Santos praised the pass as a key moment in the game, saying "The pass gave us the chance to score and the winning goal."
Overall, Santos' approach to coaching and his belief in the power of passes is a testament to the importance of this skill in modern football. While the success rate of Varela's pass may not be as high as some might expect, Santos' philosophy and tactical approach continue to inspire other managers looking to improve their own teams' passing abilities.