"The lads are used to these big occasions"
27 Aug, 2016
Jorge Jesus on Sunday's classic and Sporting's transfer activity
Jorge Jesus saw down with the media this Saturday afternoon, for one of the most eagerly awaited press conferences of the Liga NOS campaign so far, with Sporting busy in the transfer market and FC Porto visiting Alvalade on Sunday.
"It is a classic, at the beginning of the season. Normally both teams know everything there is to know about each other and I know exactly what FC Porto can do. It will be an intense game, with both sides with their own strategy and tactics. We will try and impose ourselves on the match and if we do then we will be one step closer to getting the three points", opened the Sporting coach, going on to speak about João Mário's expected absence tomorrow: "I am not surprised. Some things you just can't get surprised about. What would surprise me is if we were not selling players at this price on the back of the success we have had. João Mário had an offer that isn't normal in this club or Portugal for that matter. I don't know if anything had been decided, but I do know that he is in Italy. What is there to talk about? Until he signs, nothing is decided. What has to be said is that he is a quality player and that is why a price has been agreed, but Sporting isn't just João Mário. Some of the other players have big teams looking at them as well. I wouldn't say we are weaker without João Mário. He is a young player with a bright future ahead of him and I wish him the best of luck if everything works out, but Sporting will still be here tomorrow and we have plenty of quality players."
Nuno Espírito Santo has already taken on Jorge Jesus on six occasions and has the unenviable record of having lost all six. However, Jesus is not expecting an easy afternoon' work: "How two teams balance up to each other can be down to the coaches and tactics can make the difference. Nuno was always at a disadvantage in the other matches, with weaker teams, but that is different now. We both have quality players to work with."
Sporting has certainly been busy in the transfer market, bringing in Campbell, André and Douglas and Jorge Jesus was kind enough to clear up some questions in relation to his squad for tomorrow: "Slimani will play. He has always done his best and been a great professional. I don't know what will happen with Slimani and that isn't down to me. My job is to get the best out of the players that I have available. Joel Campbell has all of his paperwork done and he will be in the squad. Douglas and André aren't ready yet."
Jesus saved his last words for pre-match predictions: "When two teams are balanced in football, their are no favourites. Both sides have their strong points and the lads are used to these big occasions. I wouldn't say FC Porto are stronger this season. We were in first when they came here last year, but you can't make any predictions after just three matches. What I will say is that FC Porto look strong, just like they did last season."
