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.

Jorge Jesus complements the impact of the latest Sporting Academy starlet

"This Moreirense side is really good. They beat FC Porto here and Benfica as well in the League Cup. They have some really quick players and it was a hard pitch to play on", said Jorge Jesus at the final whistle on Sunday night, after inspiring his side to a comeback with the introduction of Daniel Podence after the break.

For the Alvalade coach, his side were always likely to find winning form sooner rather than later. "Sporting CP has been improving. against FC Porto we played well and against Paços as well. We are still making a few mistakes in defence, but more on the individual level", said Jesus, before focusing more specifically on some of his players: "Alan Ruiz had a great game and young Daniel [Podence] coming on made a massive difference. He have us more width and mixed it up down the right flank. It was where our goals came from and this team will never concede a defeat. We had a great second-half, like we did against FC Porto. The difference today was that Casillas wasn't on the pitch."

Podence inspires Sporting CP to a hard fought comeback

It was in the 64th minute that Jorge Jesus took a gamble that triggered his side's fight back in Moreirense, when the Alvalade boss introduced Daniel Podence to the action. Although standing just 1.65m tall, this kid is packed with quality and the Moreirense defence could do little but chase the Sporting Academy graduate's shadow. On for Bryan Ruiz, Podence, who curiously made a name for himself on loan at Moreirense, picked up possesion from William Carvalho and skilled his way past three defenders, before hammering a shot against the post. His effort was not in vain, as the shot bounced back out into the path of Bas Dost for the finish.

The visiting fans erupted, as yet another Sporting Academy starlet lit the evening on fire. The goal really did lift Sporting CP, who had been trailing through an own goal from Bruno César and a touch of hesitation from Rui Patrício that gave away a penalty. It was Alan Ruiz who struck first for the team from Alvalade, grabbing his second Liga NOS of the season.

Of course Bas Dost had to get his name on the scoreboard, with the Dutchman now having tallied 17 times in 18 outings. The equaliser completely took the life out of Moreirense and give minutes later Schelotto linked up with Gelson Martins down the right and drove in a cross for Adrien Silva to complete the comeback.

Inácio's side did come close just a few minutes later to pulling the game level once again, but Patrício managed to tip Dramé's effort n the cross bar.

Next up will be Rio Ave on Saturday the 18th of February, in a 20h30 kick-of in Alvalade.

Jesus announces list to travel to Moreirense for Liga NOS matchday 21

1 – Rui Patrício
34 – Beto Pimparel

2 – Ezequiel Schelotto
10 – Bryan Ruiz
11 – Bruno César
13 – Sebastian Coates
14 – William Carvalho
15 – Paulo Oliveira
18 – Francisco Geraldes
20 – Luc Castaignos
23 – Adrien Silva
28 – Bas Dost
35 – Ruben Semedo
47 – Ricardo Esgaio
56 – Daniel Podence
66 – João Palhinha
73 – Matheus Pereira
77 – Gelson Martins
99 – Alan Ruiz

Jorge Jesus praises the performance of his youngsters and sets the tone for the future

Jorge Jesus used his pre-match press conference this weekend to set out his approach for the rest of the season, highlighting the importance of bringing through you players and securing a Champions League spot.

"We are finding our way right now with these younger players, while looking towards the future. We have already got a few months of work under our belt with them now. Rúben Semedo and Gelson are already started in the team and the three that have come back from loan [Daniel Podence, Francisco Geraldes and João Palhinha] will be part of the future of this club. We are playing better now and I think we did very well in the second-half against FC Porto. Hopefully we will carry on in the same tone now and push for a Champions League spot", opened the Alvalade boss.

Focusing on Moreirense in particular, Jesus warned against underestimating Augusto Inácio's team who have already claimed the League Cup this season: "This will be a game typical of some of the others we have already had this season. They are on an upward curve right now, they have won a title and they have played well against the big sides in the league. It won't be an easy game, but hopefully we will show what we have been doing during the week on the training pitch and get the win."

Jesus finished with another analysis of his long term plans for the club: "To win titles you need individual quality. As this club has a lot of quality coming through the youth team, it is easier to make that happen. We have to find the right balance between bringing through young players and expectations. For example, Alan Ruiz and Bas Dost were priority and we are really happy with the investment we have made in them. We are improving and claiming back our confidence now."

Alvalade trio ready for action after return from loan spells

Francisco Geraldes, João Palhinha and Daniel Podence all spoke with Sporting TV this weekend, looking ahead to the weekend's visit to Moreirense after spending spells out on loan.

Geraldes and Podence made their return to the Portuguese capital in January, after six months with with weekend's opposition. "Moreirense have a good team and you can see that from the fact that they won the League Cup. I can give the lads some tips on what to do because I was there, but the most important thing is how they paly as a team", affirmed the midfielder, backed up by the winger: "I am sure it will be a hard match. I know the Moreirense team well and they are a quality side. We will have to give it everything. We can't start thinking it will be easy, because a shirt doesn't win games."

João Palhinha was also in the service of Moreirense last season and is looking for Sporting CP to get back to winning form this weekend: "In the dressing room we all know it won't be easy. We will have to improve one some things from how we played against FC Porto, but we have been working hard during the week and I am sure we will respond well."

Jonathan Silva in exclusive interview with Record

Jonathan Silva spoke with the Record daily sports newspaper this week, in a reflection on a return to Alvalade after a period out on loan.

"I feel great physically and in terms of my football. I would say I am a tough player and I feel like I will be ready when I come back. To sign for a club like Sporting CP after playing for Boca Juniors has taught me a lot. I am ready. Hopefully I am earn a place in the team and make the most of the chances that the coach gives me. I believe I am read for everything asked of me. That is what I am focusing on now."

Paulo Oliveira speaks with Sporting TV in a lengthy interview

Paulo Oliveira sat down for an extensive interview with Sporting TV this week. In a relaxed discussion, the central defender started with an appeal for trust.

"Have confidence in the players. They have the quality and character needed and sooner or later they will make everybody smile. Through this negative period we have got together and it is down to us to find solutions. We haven't had to change a lot, because everything we have always done has been with professionalism and sincerity", said Oliveira, going on to respond to a question on how he views himself personally: "I am a relaxed and hard working kind of person. That is part of my personality and I don't want to change it. We mature as we get holder and that is how I approach things. My main characteristic is reading the game and I try my best to understand what might happen."

Oliveira already has a Portuguese Cup and Super Cup to his name in Alvalade and that final win in Jamor is one of his most memorable moments. "The fans really believe in the club and when we win it is great to see how they celebrate. The Portuguese Cup, with the way it was won where we thought everything was lost, was really special", continued the defender, adding an analysis on some of the toughest strikers he has ever faced: "I remember Diego Costa when we played against Chelsea, but also Bas Dost while he was at Wolfsburg. We have spoken about it already and we laughed about a tackle I made that almost ended up with an own goal. It is funny, but thankfully now he plays for my team."

Paulo Oliveira hasn't been a regular this season, but he sees that as a sign of the healthy competition available across the squad: "Sporting CP hsa a lot of quality options for the same position. We fight for a place in the team and it is up to us as players to show that we deserve the confidence of the coach and the president. It is a healthy bit of competition between us."