Schelotto highlights Jorge Jesus' influence since his arrival in the Portuguese capital

Sporting CP's Ezequiel Schelotto gave an extensive interview with Sporting TV this week, speaking about his relationship with Jorge Jesus and his new-found opportunity to show what he is capable of.

"This is a very well known team, where really famous players like Beto Acosta have played. Sporting CP is always in European competitions and I already knew Jesus for what he had been doing. I didn't hesitate for a second when he called me", opened the wing-back, adding: "I wasn't playing a lot and I took a decision together with my wife. After two years with Parma I decided to finish my contract. After that I waited for two months for an opportunity, which came through Jorge Jesus. He wanted to take to me and I am really greatful."

Schelotto also revealed what was said in his first conversation with Jesus: "He said to be: Ezequiel, you are coming here to play at right-back. We spoke on the phone, because I was in Italy, but when I arrived in Portugal he told me that he would help me adapt to the new position and that I would have to work hard because no one is guaranteed a place in the team here. It took me two months to adapt and I had already been out of training for two months. I really like Jesus' energy and all I can do is try and repay the confidence he has shown in me. I have learnt a lot."

Luís Martins expecting Sporting CP B to string together wins starting this Saturday

After finally bringing Sporting CP B's negative Ledman LigaPro streak to a halt, coach Luís Martins is looking to go on a decent run, starting with a trip to Cova da Piedade.

“This match, just like every single one until the end of the season, is one we have to look to win. We know it will be hard and they beat Académica last weekend, so they will be up for it. Our win last weekend has given us a lift and we want to build on that", said Martins, adding: "We want to get out of the situation we are in, in terms of the league standings, while giving our young players experience."

Gelson Dala shares his thoughts on his first few months in Lisbon

It isn't unusual for a player to be living the dream in representing Sporting CP. Gelson Dala, who made the move to Lisbon from Angola in January, is no exception, but he is already making quite the name for himself.

“People were taking about the move for about six months and I had no idea what was going on. I was focused on my work, but of course I was really happy. I didn't want to speak anybody about it, I just kept to myself", said Dala in an interview with the Sporting Journal this week.

Pedro Delgado looking for a second consecutive Ledman LigaPro win

Sporting CP B will travel to Cova da Piedade this Saturday, on Ledman LigaPro matchday 30.

For Pedro Delgado, this is the perfect chance for his side to put together a decent run of results.

"We are expecting a hard match and Cova da Piedade will want to win as well. Our win last week really lifted us", said the Sporting CP B midfielder.

Sporting CP B finally return to winning form with a dominating performance against Ledman LigaPro promotion contenders

Sporting CP B finally brought their negative run to an end this weekend, beating Desportivo das Aves 2-1.

Ricardo Almedia's goal two minutes into added time decided it, when a draw looked certain.

The first-half got off to a slow start, with both sides preferring to study their opposition's approach to the afternoon. Although Sporting CP B were the slightly better outfit during the opening exchanges, two midfielders sitting deep for Aves broke up the space in the final third. Half-time arrived with neither goalkeeper having really been tested and the first-half's attention was deservedly focused on Francisco Geraldes, who did a fine job down the middle of protecting his defence.

Seven minutes after the restart Matheus Pereira finally opened the scoring, when the youngster looked up and found the back of the net for a much deserved goal. Continuing to push the pace, Sporting CP B created chance after chance, but Leonardo Ruiz didn't seem to have his shooting boots on. Completely against the run of play, Aves leveled through Balgoun (65').

Both defensive set ups frustrated any attacking efforts at the clock ticked over, but Ricardo Almeida had other ideas, coming of the bench to header home from an Esgaio cross.

Jorge Jesus happy with his side's third consecutive Liga NOS win

"We are looking to turn in consecutive wins to build up more confidence", opened Jorge Jesus at the final whistle on Saturday evening, after watching his side beat Estoril 2-0.

Despite having tallied what is now a third consecutive Liga NOS win, Jesus is keen to see his team put away more of the abundance of the opportunities being created: "We played well, although we were better in the second-half. We were better today than we were against Rio Ave and the lads are starting to understand better now our defensive processes, which gives us time to score. We didn't have a lot of chances early on, but we scored as soon as we did. The second-half was better for us and we had opportunities through against the Estoril keeper. We have to be more effective when we have chances like those."

Asked to comment on his midfield choice, bringing in Palhinha in place of Adrien, along side the injured William Carvalho, Jesus was full of praise for the pair: "William played a lot better after the break. He wasn't playing in his usual position, so he was a bit lost in terms of positioning in the first-half. Palhinha is a young lad who is learning to keep his cool, but he is really strong physically and I am sure he will have a great career. Step by step we will give the youngsters opportunities."

Bryan Ruiz and Bas Dost secure third consecutive Liga NOS victory

Two Sporting CP goals in Estádio António Coimbra da Mota without response secured a third successive Liga NOS win for Jorge Jesus' side this weekend. It was Bryan Ruiz and Bas Dost who found the net, with the latter taking his season tally to 18 in 20 matches.

Dost's late goal (86') was the cherry on the top of the cake after some quick attacking football that first found the net in the 22nd minute, when Alan Ruiz broke away down the right and drove a cross into the box. Schelotto failed to capitalise, but Bryan Ruiz was on hand at the far post to slot in from close range. In all honesty, Sporting CP could and should have walked away with a much more express margin of victory, but a lack of a more clinical touch in front of goal saw various opportunities left wanting.

Jorge Jesus sits down with the press ahead of the weekend's short trip to Estoril

Although Estoril Praia are having a tough season, Jorge Jesus did not dismiss the potential of this Saturday's opponent, particularly on home turf.

"Playing in Amoreira is always hard for the big teams. They need the points to try to get out of a position that they aren't used to being in, but we need them as well to get closer to our rivals. It is going to be a hard fought game and we will be under pressure at times, but that is part of it. The best teams can't always dominate", said the Sporting CP coach, adding: "We will have to do the best we can with the players we have available and we fully trust in the lads. Obviously Adrien would be in the team and he is our captain, so it won't be the same, but we believe in whoever comes in."

Currently nine points off 2nd in Liga NOS, Jorge Jesus dismissed the idea of difficulty in motivating his players. After all, playing for Sporting CP is enough to fire up any athlete: "It isn't hard to motivate players, because this is a club that always fights to be at the top. Tomorrow our objective is to ge the three points and we want to secure a Champions League place as soon as possible."

The Alvalade boss finished with an analysis of Estoril, led by Pedro Carmona: "The new Estoril coach is still implementing his ideas. It won't be an Estoril team that looks to get forward, that is our job. They will be well organised at the back, from dead balls and attacking on the break."

Ticket news for Liga NOS matchday 23

Tickets for Liga NOS matchday 23, between Estoril Praia and Sporting Clube de Portugal, will go on sale at the Estádio José Alvalade ticket offices (from 10h00 to  20h00) as follows:

WEDNESDAY | Club Members with a Gamebox 2016/2017
THURSDAY | Club Members
FRIDAY | General public

A valid Gamebox or Member card must be presented on the first two days of sale (January 2017 fees paid), with each card valid for 1 ticket. Each person may present a total of 4 cards.

Kick-off is scheduled for 18h15 on Saturday the 25th of February, in Estádio António Coimbra da Mota. Tickets are for the North Goal End and are priced at 12€ each. 

Adrien Silva

Following the injury sustained in the match Sporting CP - Rio Ave FC, the player Adrien Silva was evaluated by Sporting Clube de Portugal's medical department, with the following diagnostic: