Luís Martins highlights the importance of mentality in Ledman LigaPro

Luís Martins will take charge of Sporting CP B for the second time this Sunday, with an encounter against Desportivo das Aves.

Looking to bring to a close a series of 13 games without a win, Martins appealed to his players' mentality: "Playing for Sporting CP means getting out of these situations. Performance is controlled a lot by the psychological side of things. The lads were motivated against Gil Vicente, but it was a bit of a bitter defeat (2-2). We still have 14 matches to go and a lot of points to win to make sure we stay in Ledman LigaPro. We aren't looking at the league table and we have the resources to get out of the situation we are in, without forgetting that the objective of this team is to contribute to the development of our athletes."

Desportivo das Aves stand in his side's way this Sunday (15h00) and are themselves currently sitting in 2nd in the league. Luís Martins didn't shy away from complementing the promotion contenders: "We are two teams with completely different projects. We both need the points, Aves because they are trying to get promoted and us to stay in this league. They are a good side, but Sporting CP can win anywhere."

New Sporting CP B boss Luís Martins on the weekend's Ledman LigaPro action

Luís Martins took charge of Sporting CP B for the first time this weekend, in a tough away visit to Gil Vicente. Although behind on two occasions, a spirited Alvalade slide were able to secure a point.

Luís Martins leads Sporting CP B for the first time, with draw in Gil Vicente

Sporting CP B still haven't quite found their winning form, but the performance against the powerful Gil Vicente was a clear sign of things to come for the side now led by Luís Martins. The Alvalade youngsters dominated possession and led the shot count against the Ledman LigaPro promotion contenders.

Pedro Silva on the weekend's Ledman LigaPro action against Gil Vicente

Sporting CP B keeper Pedro Silva sat down with the press this Friday to look ahead to the weekend's Ledman LigaPro action, which will see his side face Gil Vicente.

"Gil Vicente are a hard team, especially when they play on a good pitch. We want to turn things around as quickly as we can and winning is our only option", said the Sporting CP B shotstopper, continuing to speak about the recent change of management: "João de Deus going took us by surprise, but the club thought it was the best decision for what we need right now. We already know the new coach and we are sure things will work out well. Change always brings hope in football."

Luís Martins

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD informs that Luís Martins will take on the role of coach for Sporting CP B, together with the role of technical director for youth football.

Sporting SAD wishes Luís Martins the best of professional and personal success.

João de Deus

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD informs that a decision by mutual agreement has been reached for the termination of its contract with João de Deus.

Sporting SAD thanks João de Deus for the work performed since 2014/2015 and the fundamental role he has played in the development of various Sporting CP athletes.

Sporting SAD wishes João de Deus the best of personal and professional success.
 

João de Deus praises work ethic and points to missed opportunities

"We had two chances right in front of the goalkeeper and didn't score", said João de Deus at the final whistle on Wednesday, reflecting on another afternoon of Ledman LigaPro action.

For the Sporting CP keeper, hard work is the only way out: "We just aren't putting away the good chances we are creating. It is upsetting, because I see that the players are working hard. This is a phase and we believe we will get through it."

Leonardo Ruiz on Sporting CP B's midweek Ledman LigaPro encounter

Understandably frustrated, but not about to throw in the towel. That it how Wednesday's scorer Leonardo Ruiz analysed Sporting CP B's current situation.

Sporting CP B miss out to Varzim and continue to search for a long awaited three points

Sporting CP B slipped to defeat this Wednesday, with a lack of a more clinical touch in front of goal and the odd individual error allowing Ledman LigaPro highflighers Varzim come away with the three points.

João de Deus frustrated with what is now a run of 10 games without a win

João de Deus was understandably frustrated after seeing his side again miss out on the three point this weekend, despite taking the lead early on.