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.
 

Jorge Jesus in his final press conference of the pre-season campaign

"Some of the players who we have brought in don't leave any room for doubt. Alan Ruiz for example is a great player and we are looking for another forward", opened Jorge Jesus in his final pre-season post-match interview this Friday.

Reflecting on how his team is prepared for the coming campaign, the Sporting coach proved enthusiastic: "The lads will get better as the season progresses. Over the last seven weeks we have been improving. It is a bit tricky to fit everyone together with some of the lads having played for two teams, but that is what pre-season is for."

Rui Patrício and Paul Baysse shine in goal in a well disputed final pre-season friendly

Sporting were held to a 0-0 draw in the final pre-season friendly this Friday evening, in a match which had its fair share of opportunities for both sides.

Contrary to Thursday night's encounter against Betis, Sporting made a sluggish start, allowing Nice to create two early chances. However, the French side fired both shots off target.

The earning shots shook Sporting up and Jorge Jesus' side began to battle their way higher up the pitch. On 21 minutes, Adrien and João Mário linked up well and set up Bryan Ruiz, but the Costa Rican's chipped effort was unable to beat the Nice keeper. A minute later, Schelotto was released down the right flank by William Cavalho and the wing-back picked out Bryan Ruiz, but again he was unable to finish.

The team from Alvalade continued to dominate possession, but without breaking the Nice backline. Faced by a stubborn French defence, Sporting resorted to shots from range, first through Bruno César and then from Alan Ruiz. The last chance of the half fell to the French from the penalty spot, but Rui Patrício pulled off one of his typically brilliant stops from 12 yards to keep the scoreboard black.

Jorge Jesus rang the chances at the break, bringing off Adrien and Bruno César for Petrovic and Gelson Martins, while also shifting João Mário into the middle in support of Alan Ruiz and pushing Bryan Ruiz out to the left. It was Nice however who had the first big chance of the half, after Rúben Semedo miss timed his clearance attempt. However, the French side were once again unable to find the back of the net.

Four minutes from time Nice could have finished it, but Rui Patrício thought differently and made a fine save. The game should have been decided on penalties, However Nice voluntarily conceded defeat and the win was given to Sporting.

Ruben Semedo highlights work put in during testing pre-season campaign

Speaking after Sporting's draw against Nice on Friday evening, Rúben Semedo affirmed that his side are in good form ahead of the start of official action.

"Pre-season is for putting the work in. The team did well tonight, even though we were tired. We hae chances to score which is a good sign and now we will focus on Marítimo. We are ready to start the season", said the defender, going on to comment on his personal form: "I'm still not at by best, but I feel good. It is great to play with Coates, because he is a great player. The whole team played well tonight and we did out job."

Sporting CP reaches agreement with Beto

Sporting Clube de Portugal - Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Beto for a contract valid for two seasons, with an additional optional season and a buy-out clause of 45,000,000.00€.

Sporting Clube de Portugal - Futebol, SAD wishes Beto the best of professional and personal success.

Jesus happy with his side's showing against Betis

Jorge Jesus sat down with the press after his side's encounter with Betis on Thursday evening, in a game which saw Marcelo Meli make his debut.

"Not everything went well, but some things did. When you use 22 players in a match, which is what you do in pre-season, then it is only normal that some things don't click in defence. We were almost always good in attack. These games are exactly for this, because we can't make so many changes in the league and this is a chance to look at the new players and what they can do. I am not worried about the results. Offensively we did what we have been doing in training and in defence we didn't, but I enjoyed the match", said Jesus at the final whistle.

Reflecting on Marcelo Meli's debut, the Sporting coach affirmed: "If it would have been an official match then Meli wouldn't have played. He only arrived four days ago. He doesn't even know everyone's names yet, but I liked what I saw. Of course he isn't up to speed, but he positions himself well and has a good pass."

Sporting take early lead but Spanish side snatch win courtesy of a hattrick

Sporting lost out to Betis in Estádio Algarve this Thursday, in a match which Sporting actually scored first through Alan Ruiz, only to be outdone by a hattrick from Ruben Castro.

The first chance of the encounter fell to the team from Alvalade, when Schelotto and Alan Ruiz linked up for Schelotto to fire his shot high. Sporting's solid start to the game was asking for a goal and it wasn't long in coming, when Bryan Ruiz broke away down the right in the 17th minute and drove in a low cross that Alan Ruiz finished off with the easiest of finishes.

Betis responded 10 minutes later, when Tony Sanabria led a breakaway after Bryan Ruiz slipped up in possession, ending in a cross put away with a header by Ruben Castro. To add insult to injury, Betis netted again a minute later, in a show of efficiency in front of goal by the in-form Ruben Castro.

The game settled after the early three goals, with Jorge Jesus' side looking the more dominant. However, neither side really managed to boss proceedings, largely due to some heavy and sometimes excessive tackling.

Jorge Jesus rang the changes at the break, bringing off Coates, Schelotto, William Carvalho and Bryan Ruiz for Paulo Oliveira, João Pereira, Petrovic and Podence. The move however failed to give Sporting a lift and Ruben Catro netted his third with some persistant play after Rui Patrício managed to stop his initial effort.

Losing by two, Jesus introduced Marvin, Paulista, Alan Ruiz, Bruno César and Gelson for Jefferson, Palhinha, Slimani, Iuri and Meli and Sporting took the initiative with some pressing play up front. However clear chances were few and far between.

Slimani struck with 15 minutes left with a beautiful header to give Sporting hope of at least snatching a draw, however Betis' clinical touch in front of goal had already done the damage. 

Bruno Paulista pleased with Sporting's pre-season preparations

Bruno Paulista made a much awaited return this Thursday, after an extensive spell out with injury.

"We have a good squad and everyone has made me feel really welcome", said Paulista in an interview with Sporting TV after the encounter with Betis, adding: "Betis are a good side, but we played well and we winning. Unfortunately we made some mistakes and they scored three goals from the three chances they had. Now we hae to get ready for tomorrow's match against Nice."

Rúben Semedo and Spalvis with medical department

Sporting's medical department notes the following:

Rúben Semedo: Twisted left ankle - treatment

Spalvis: Underwent surgery for torn knee ligaments and is expected to be in recovery for 6 months