Bruno de Carvalho on recent loses

Speaking with the press this week, the Sporting CP president Bruno de Carvalho didn't spare criticism of last weekend's defeat at the hands of Os Belenenses.

"It wasn't want we wanted. The fans came out in force and the only thing we can do is apologise. This match has nothing to do with what Sporting CP is. The fans don't deserve what they saw. I'm no interested in how we did going forward, I am interested in winning. This club cannot be this. We all have to reflect on today, including directors, coaches and athletes. There is no excuse for giving such a bad day to the fans when we had a full stadium of fans", said Bruno de Carvalho, adding: "Unfortunately at the end of the match I can not say that the fans are happy. The fans believe in this project, more than the coach or the players, and they have been fantastic despite what has been a terrible season."

To finish the Alvalade president commented on the recent UEFA Futsal Cup final loss: "I cannot arrive in Kazakhstan and see Sporting CP beaten so badly in the final of that competition and then come to Alvalade and see another defeat full of mistakes. As president, I am saying that enough is enough. Everything has to be different next season. Sporting CP has to win, not make excuses."

José Quintela travels for Marco Ficini's funeral

Sporting CP board member José Quintela was at the funeral of Marco Ficini this week, the Sporting CP and Fiorentina fan who tragically lost his life in Lisbon recently.

The Alvalade director left a special message for Marco Ficini's family: "It is a sad moment and we wish it hadn't happened. Sporting CP and me personally really wanted to be at the funeral. Our president met with Marco's family in Portugal and now we are here to accompany the family and show our support at this difficult time", said Quintela speaking with Sporting TV.

The Sporting Museum will be closed on Sunday the 7th of May due to the hosting of Os Belenenses (11h45).

Im memory of Virgolino de Jesus

Today is a sad day for the whole Sporting CP family, with Jorge Jesus' father, Virgolino de Jesus, passing away.

The former Sporting CP player, who played along side the 5 Violins and who was club member 1,017, will remain with us in our thoughts and hearts.

Sporting CP shares the most sincere condolences with Jorge Jesus on this sad day.

Alvalade president offers his most sincere condolences for Marco Ficini's family and friends

Depois de o Sporting Clube de Portugal has issued a statement following the tragic events last night which resulted in the death of one of our club's fans. President Bruno de Carvalho has publicly presented his most sincere condolences for the family and friends of Marco Ficini.

These events are extremely saddening, on a day which should be focused on the good spirited party that is the Lisbon derby. The Alvalade leader has appealed to all Sporting CP fans to show "behaviour worthy of the  Sporting CP".

Bruno de Carvalho's message in full:

Club statement following the tragic events on Friday night

Sporting Clube de Portugal manifests the most profound sorrow and repudiation for the tragic events last night, resulting in the death of one of our club's fans.

Sporting CP is monitoring the inquiry being undertaken by the authorities, with the objective of identifying those responsible.

Sporting CP manifests its most sincere condolences to the fan's family and friends.

Sporting Museum closed from the 23rd of April to the 1st of May

The Sporting Museum will close to the general public from the 23rd of April (Sunday) to the 1st of May (Monday). Visits to both the Sporting Museum and Estádio José Alvalade will be suspended due to the use of Hall VIP for the organisation The Future of Football Congress, taking place from the 26th to the 27th of April.

Bruno de Carvalho meets with the Portuguese Football League

Bruno de Carvalho met the president of the Portuguese Football League, Pedro Proença, this week, to discuss a series of proposals which address regulations that the Alvalade chief sees as violations of constitutional rights.

"I think a lot has to change in football. We have to start to understand, like I have been saying for four years, what kind of football we want and what path we want to follow. How can I explain to my kids the lie that I supposedly spat on someone? That issue still hasn't moved forward and that is serious", said Bruno de Carvalho after the meeting, adding: "I am here to speak about something which we feel is important, namely altering regulations. Football cannot have regulations which are violations of the constitution and which violate our right to freedom. The Football League is going to look at what we suggested. I don't know if the clubs will approve our proposals not not, but we have to reflect on what is going wrong."

Partnership until 2020 for Alvalade athletes living in the north of the country

Similarly to the protocol agreed with Fisiomar in  Póvoa do Varzim, Sporting CP has closed a deal with Fisiojoane, located in Santo Tirso and Guimarães. The objective of the new relationship is to provide services to atheres who live and train in the north of the country, in support of the club's medical department.

Sporting CP's Sílvia Saiote was on hand to reflect on the deal: "This protocol comes from the identification of a need for support for out athletes in the north of the country. This partnership enables to club to provide additional services, in addition to those we have in Alvalade. Fisiojoane is very well known and was recommended by Sara Moreira, so we are really proud of this relationship."

Clinical director Carla Mendes also commented on the protocol: "We want to hit at those top levels and this protocol can contribute to that, although some of our athletes are already involved in the top competitions. I think this is a good deal for and for Fisiojoana. Having a clinic nearer to where you live and train brings that extra bit of value."

Gelsenkirchen hosts Europe's top FIFA 17 stars

Francisco 'Quinzas' Cruz took part in the FC Schalke 04 eSports Cup, hosted in the Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen.

Europe's top FIFA 17 talent were in action, bringing together Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, FC St. Gallen, Wolfsburg, Legia Warsaw, Brondby, Twente, Ajax and Schalke 04.

Part of Group B, the Alvalade representative opened with a draw against Marcus Jørgensen (Brondby), before missing out against Poacher (Roma) and Cihan Yasarlar (Schalke 04).

"It didn't go very well, that is a fact. It was a really strong group, with really experienced players. They were well disputed matches, but I couldn't play how I would have liked against Roma", said Quinzas in an interview with the Sporting Journal, adding: "I am sad because I didn't get through to the next round, but I know I can do better. These tournaments are played at a really strong level, with the best European and even world players. Now I have to put the work in to reach my objectives and who knows, maybe one day win the a eSports Cup."