Jorge Jesus looking to prepare the 2017/2018 campaign with an introduction of even more starlets

Speaking with the press ahead of Liga NOS matchday 25, which will see Sporting CP travel to Tondela, Jorge Jesus highlighted the importance of a strong run in to the end of the season, as preparation for coming campaign get underway.

"Wins bring confidence and points. We have to get as close a we can to our rivals, although we know it won't be easy. João Palhinha has been given an opportunity and this weekend we will do the same with some of the others like Daniel Podence", said Jesus, going on to answer a question in relation to the possible introduction of Francisco Geraldes in the middle of the park: "Bruno César and Alan Ruiz have been really important. Francisco [Geraldes] doesn't have the characteristics to play as an attacking midfielder, he is more like João Mário. He doesn't have the athletic or individual characteristics to play as a defensive midfielder, but I think he will adapt better to playing off a forward. Our young players have a lot of individual quality, but for most of the game you don't touch the ball so tactical understanding comes into it as well."

Speaking in greater depth about the weekend's opposition, Jesus affirmed that Sporting CP's recent run of improving form has little influence: "Tondela want the points, to avoid relegation. They are learning how to play under a new coach, but I think Pepa [current coach] are both good examples of the quality of young Portuguese coaches. We have gone four matches without losing, but we are used to doing better than that. We know that the smaller clubs work that little bit harder against the big clubs, but we are ready and we can't let Tondela be more intensive than us."