Sporting B to host Fafe at the Academy this weekend

Sporting B will host Fafe at the Academy this Saturday, in a 16h00 kick-off on Ledman LigaPro matchday three.

“You can expect to see a stronger Sporting side than the one you saw 15 days ago (against Portimonense, thanks to the lads who have just arrived", said João de Deus in a pre-match press conference this Friday, going on to highlight the return of Jovane Cabral.

However, the Sporting B coach is not expecting an easy encounter: “We know that Fafe are a hard team and they can do some interesting stuff in attack. We will have to focus in defence."

Adrien on Sporting's I Liga 2016/17 debut

Adrien Silva spoke briefly with the press this Saturday evening after his side's win against Marítimo.

"It was an intense match, but we did well. At this stage of the season I thought it was a good pace and we made sure Marítimo couldn't do anything on the counter-attack", said the Sporting skipper, before answering a question on transfer rumours regarding João Mãrio: "Goodbye? No. He played today and he played well. You could see he is happy by the way he played and I don't think this was his last match."

Jorge Jesus satisfied with opening day win

“It was a hard match. It was 36 degrees at kick-off, which is really hot for a team that plays pressing football like we do. Some of the lads felt that and it impacted on how we plated", opened Jesus in his post-match press conference this Saturday, going on to analysis the match itself in greater depth: "Marítimo are a really well managed team and they caused some issues down the wing. (after the break) we took charge and Marítimo fell off a bit. William helped the pace a bit and that was important, but we won and that is what matters."

“No team starts the season in their best form. That comes step by step and the lads will develop with time", finished the Alalade boss.

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.