Jorge Jesus in first I Liga press conference of the season

Jorge Jesus sat down for his first I Liga pre-match press conference of the campaign this Friday, reflecting on his squad's form, transfer rumours and how the season is likely to pan out.

A much deserved word was reserved in honour of Portugal's fire brigade at the start of the conference, with forest fires plaguing the country over the last week. "I want to show my support of Sporting's initiative in relation to the fires in Portugal. I really appreciate what the fire brigade have been doing. It is really hard for them", said Jesus.

Moving on to Saturday's encounter with Maritímo, the Sporting coach is not expecting an easy task: "This is the start of the season and the first game is always a bit nervy. It is hard to be on form in the first game, but we want the win."

Jesus was reluctant to make promises, but silverware is inevitably the target: "In a year we have recovered a lot of ground and closed the points gap. Last year we fought for the title until the last minute and had a superb season. We were a serious title contender. This year we want to do better, meaning we want to be in first. I don't believe that the top two will break the 85 points barrier again. I think it will be the team that gets 86 points that will win it."

The press has been rife with transfer rumours lately, which hasn't gone unnoticed by the Alvalade boss. "Nobody has left yet and I don't know if anyone will before the 31st of August. The strategy that we have built up means that Sporting's isn't a club that will sell", said Jesus, finishing with a specific focus on João Mário: "I am counting on him for the match tomorrow. I know people are looking at him, just like they are with five or six other players, but Sporting will defend its players of course."

Jorge Jesus putting the final touches to I Liga opener

Sporting were out on the training pitch at the Academy this Tuesday, preparing for Saturday's 18h15 hosting of Marítimo in Estádio Jose Alvalade.

With the exception of Islam Slimani, Jorge Jesus had his entire squad available for the session.
 

FC Porto visit Alvalade on matchday 3, before matchday 13 trip to Benfica

The official fixture list for the 2016/17 National Championship campaign was released this Saturday. Sporting will open with a hosting of Marítimo on August the 14th, before visiting Paços de Ferreira on matchday 2. A hosting of FC Porto awaits on matchday three.

Rui Patrício was named as Goalkeeper of the Season at the draw and the Alvalade shotstopper couldn't be happier: "I want to thank everyone for this trophy, but to also say that it isn't only mine. It is for the whole squad

Fixture list in full:

Matchday 1 (14/8): Sporting CP - Marítimo (22/1) matchday 18

Matchday 2 (21/8): Paços de Ferreira - Sporting CP (28/1) matchday 19

Matchday 3 (28/8): Sporting CP - FC Porto (5/2) matchday 20

Matchday 4 (11/9): Sporting CP - Moreirense (12/2) matchday 21

Matchday 5 (18/9): Rio Ave - Sporting CP (19/2) matchday 22

Matchday 6 (25/9): Sporting CP - Estoril (26/2) matchday 23

Matchday 7 (2/10): V. Guimarães - Sporting CP (5/3) matchday 24

Matchday 8 (23/10): Sporting CP - Tondela (11/3) matchday 25

Matchday 9 (30/10): Nacional - Sporting CP (19/2) matchday 26

Matchday 10 (6/11): Sporting CP - Arouca (2/4) matchday 27

Matchday 11 (27/11): Boavista - Sporting CP (9/4) matchday 28

Matchday 12 (4/12): Sporting CP - V. Setúbal (15/4) matchday 29

Matchday 13 (11/12): Benfica - Sporting CP (23/4) matchday 30

Matchday 14 (18/12): Sporting CP - Sp. Braga (30/4) matchday 31

Matchday 15 (21/12): Belenenses - Sporting CP (7/5) matchday 32

Matchday 16 (8/1): Sporting CP - Feirense (14/5) matchday 33

Matchday 17 (15/1): Chaves - Sporting CP (21/5) matchday 34

Octávio Machado on the lack of punishment for Benfica

Octávio Machado gave a hard-hitting press conference following Sunday's Liga NOS fixtures, in what were the last of the season.

"Penalties are only against Benfica after the 95th minute, when they are already winning 5-0. It happened in the first match against Estoril when it was 0-0 and it happened again today, against Nacional. In the last match of the season, the decisive match, another penalty was not given when the game was 0-0", said Sporting's director of football.

Jorge Jesus proud of his team as Liga NOS campaign comes to a close with 4-0 win in Braga

Jorge Jesus paid a fitting tribute to his team and the fans in his post-match interview this Saturday, after watching Sporting dismantle Braga on the last game of a season taken right down to the wire.

"We did what we had to do throughout the season. It was a real show of the power and quality of this squad. We had to win and that is exactly what we did. It is never easy here, especially to win 4-0", opened Jesus, adding: "The best doesn't always win. The best was Sporting."

The Alvalade boss of course could not close the season without a word for the fans: "They supported us right up until the last second. It isn't natural for a team to win 86 points and not be champion."