In an exclusive interview with Flashscore, the Brazilian international spoke about the team's transformation after the disastrous 2024/25 season, the Italian coach's methods, the atmosphere in the dressing room in the face of outside criticism and the toughest emotional moments of the season, marked by the losses of Pinto da Costa, Diogo Jota and Jorge Costa.
Pepe also recalled the importance of Thiago Silva and Luis Diaz in his growth, revealed his admiration for Neymar, Brazil's new era under Carlo Ancelotti, discussed FC Porto's return to the Champions League and left a special message for the Porto fans, after a season in which he guarantees the squad managed to "bring pride back" to the club.
'Farioli likes to get the best out of every player'
Manuel Chaves: In Flashscore, we have the pleasure of visiting one of the new national football champions in Olival. In fact, someone who is repeating a feat he has already experienced in the past. Pepê, how does it feel?
Pepe: "It really is an incredible feeling. It's great to be back in the 'mushroom' (n.d.r: the place where the team" celebrated winning the title), with all our fans. It's a unique feeling, and I'm very happy to be able to do it again.
It was certainly a tough year for the team, after a season that fell well short of what FC Porto wanted and what is normal at the club.
"It was a very difficult season. We knew that, after last season's championship, we needed to improve on many things, and that's what we've tried to do throughout this season.
"I think the result speaks for itself: the work was done very well, and we were all very committed to the ultimate goal, which was to become champions. Thank God we managed to win that title."
I don't want to go into comparisons with the past, but when Farioli arrives and brings his methods, how does the squad react? We know he's very energetic in the way he works.
"The reaction has been very good. We know his energy. He's someone who likes to work hard and get the best out of each player.
"I think we were able to clearly understand everything he wanted and what he was transmitting in training. That was fundamental for us to be able to put our ideas into practice in the games and put in as consistent a display as we did."
The team came out very strong. They almost always won and, more than that, often seemed to crush their opponents. Did you feel very strong at the start of the season?
"Yes, without a doubt. That's the result of a lot of hard work. As I said, the coach likes to work hard, and we understood very well what he wanted.
"We were able to take what we were doing in training into the games, and that was key to achieving the results and, above all, to getting our fans excited."
'It's strange to hear certain things about us'
Pepe is one of the oldest players in the squad. He's been here for five years, going on six. He was a champion four years ago and has now repeated that feat. I imagine that players like Pepe or Diogo (Costa) have been fundamental in helping the squad turn itself around after last season.
"It was a very difficult season, and nobody was used to what happened last year. We knew it couldn't happen again and that we needed to do things differently.
"We tried to help the players who had just arrived, to welcome them in the best possible way so that they felt at home.
"That's what happened, and it allowed them to show what they can do on the pitch. I think that was fundamental for us to turn things around and have an incredible season."
A lot of new people arrived. Gabri (Veiga) had already come from the Club World Cup, but then players arrived who ended up being fundamental. It seemed, from the outside, that they adapted very quickly. How was the integration process?
"It was an easy process because, with the quality they have, everything becomes easier. We tried to make them feel at home, with the peace of mind and confidence to carry on doing what they were doing before.
"And their quality was very evident. They are players with enormous potential, especially the younger ones. We're very happy to have helped them adapt well."
Two days before the end came the consecration of the title. Some people said that the celebrations were a little over the top, something that the president himself (Andre Villas-Boas) admitted. Was it a way of releasing the pressure that had built up during the season?
"The season was very stressful. After going so long without a win, we knew we needed to respond, especially on the pitch. That's what we've endeavoured to do all season.
"We managed to bring back the title for our fans and the club. And of course, after such an intense season, we ended up celebrating in the best possible way."
Those in charge of football talk a lot about "armouring" the dressing room. From the outside, the squad seemed very united, but there was always outside noise. For example, some statements from Sporting. Has that affected you?
"It doesn't interfere much with our work. We're pretty well armoured in that respect. We know that the important thing is to demonstrate on the pitch.
"We try to focus on our work and on improving what we need to improve. Outside noise doesn't get in here."
But when people say 'FC Porto don't play at all', doesn't that ring a bell?
"It's strange to hear certain things. Then there was some banter between the players, but that never defined us or messed with our heads. We know what we have to do on the pitch."
From Farioli's praise to the loss of Jorge Costa
Speaking of Sporting, I remember the semi-final of the Cup, when Francesco Farioli used Pepê as an example of the spirit of this group, in that final move in which he made a huge sprint to prevent the 2-0. Is that what it means to leave everything on the pitch?
"Absolutely. Even more so at FC Porto. That's the mentality of the club. Whether it's the first minute or the last, you have to give it your all.
"We feel the passion of the fans in every move, and we try to match it on the pitch. That's the FC Porto spirit, and it's fundamental for us to be more united with the fans."
Do you feel like an example to the younger players when you're mentioned like that by the coach?
"I'm very happy. It's recognition for the work I've been doing. Having this recognition from the coach and the group motivates me even more to keep developing."
What was harder to lose: the Europa League or the Portuguese Cup?
"Both. We wanted to win every possible trophy. Those eliminations cost us a lot, but we knew we couldn't let them get us down because we still had the league to play for. The group coped well."
In emotional terms, the season began with the loss of Pinto da Costa, then came the death of Diogo Jota and also the loss of Jorge Costa. It can't have been easy to deal with all that.
"It wasn't easy at all. We were very motivated in pre-season, and that news had a huge impact on all of us. But it also served as motivation to continue on the path they wanted us to follow.
"It affected us a lot, but we managed to cope as best we could."
Did you also draw strength from sadness?
"Yes, we know that after the storm comes the calm. It was very hard, but we had to find the strength to carry on and give people joy."
The 'reference' Neymar and the 'older brother' Thiago Silva
Speaking more about yourself: what was it like to welcome a player like Thiago Silva?
"It was incredible. William (Gomes) and I even joked about it because we didn't even know how to get close to him. We'd always seen him on television, a world-class player, a champion of practically everything.
"When he arrived, it was like we were new to the club. He's someone who helps us develop a lot.
And he's not just a player, he's also a human being.
"Exactly. He's like an older brother. He has a lot of experience and helps us grow a lot."
Who do you most resemble as a player?
"Neymar. He's always been my biggest role model. For his joy, his daring, his Brazilian football. I think he inspired a large part of my generation."
Who was your toughest opponent?
"Declan Rice was very difficult. He seems to be everywhere. And among the centre-backs, Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes was also very difficult."
Champions League and Ancelotti in Brazil
The Champions League is one of the great attractions of next season.
"That's for sure. It's a different competition, with the best clubs in the world. FC Porto deserves to be there and we're very happy to have put the club back in the Champions League.
"It's something the club deserves. We have to enjoy our holidays, rest well, because next season is going to be even more stressful."
You're finally going to have a real holiday...
"(Laughs) Yes. After two years, I'll finally be able to really rest."
And you're going to watch the World Cup relaxed at home?
"Yes, with my family, my friends, my son and my wife. Take the opportunity to rest and come back refreshed."
How do you see this new Carlo Ancelotti era in Brazil?
"It's new for us, but I believe it's going to be a very successful era. I really want to see Brazil win the World Cup again. They're the greatest team in the world."
The best final would be Brazil-Portugal?
"It wouldn't be a bad idea... but Brazil-Argentina would also be very good. (laughs) It's a historic rivalry, very good, with a clash of cultures. It's a very special game."
Five years on, do you feel almost like a Portuguese Brazilian?
"I'm almost Portuguese now (laughs). I love it here, my family loves it here. The club has welcomed me in an incredible way from day one. I'm very happy for everything the club does for me."
'Luis Diaz was fundamental to my adaptation to FC Porto'
What was it like arriving at FC Porto and having to deal with competition from Luis Diaz?
"When Luis arrived here, I practically didn't stand a chance. He's an incredible player who inspired me a lot. It was very important for me to have him by my side.
"He helped me a lot as I grew up and adapted. It was fundamental for me to better understand European football and also what FC Porto represents.
You have a contract for another two years, and you're still a much sought-after player. How do you see your future?
"I don't think about it too much. I'm very happy at FC Porto. We managed to win the title after a gruelling season, and now the most important thing is to enjoy a rest."
Where does Pepe feel most at home?
"I really like playing between the lines, behind the striker, but I'm also comfortable as a winger. In those positions, I can be comfortable and play my football."
Over time, we've seen a Pepe who is perhaps less exuberant on an individual level, but more important to the team and to the balance. Do you feel comfortable in that role?
"Over time, I've acquired these characteristics. Before, I was much more of a one-on-one player, but I've become more aware of what the game demands.
"Even so, it's still in me. I like to get on top of the opposition, look for individual moves and take my chances one-on-one."
"We managed to make the fans proud again"
Pepe, to finish: what message do you have for the Porto fans?
"I want to thank them for this incredible season and for all their support. We know that last season was very difficult, very stressful, when it wasn't FC Porto, and we recognise that.
"We managed to turn it around and give them something to be proud of. And next season we'll keep working to fulfil their expectations."
Now, last question: this interview will also be broadcast in Brazil. What message do you have for your compatriots?
"Their support and messages are very important to us and to the growth of our football. I hope they continue with us on this journey."