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."

João Palhinha highlights the support given by Jorge Jesus

João Palhinha has been attracting the limelight since his return to Alvalade and introduction into first team action, alongside fellow Sporting CP Academy graduates Gelson Martins, Matheus Pereira, Francisco Geraldes, Rúben Semedo and Daniel Podence. 

Sales information for Liga NOS machday 21

Tickets for Liga NOS matchday 21 against Moreirense Futebol Clube will go on sale as follows:

THURSDAY (FROM 10H TO 20H) | Club Members only
FRIDAY (FROM 10H TO 20H) | General public

The first day of sales is exclusively for Sporting Clube de Portugal Club Members. A valid Gamebox or Member card must be presented, with each card valid for one ticket (January 2017 fees applicable). Each person may bring a maximum of 4 cards.

Kick-off is scheduled for 18h00 on Sunday the 12th of February, in Estádio Comendador Joaquim de Almeida Freitas. Tickets are priced at 15€ each.

Wallyson

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Moreirense Futebol Clube – Futebol, SAD for the transfer of the player Wallyson Mallmann. Moreirense SAD now assume all of the player's sports rights and 30% of his economic rights, with Sporting SAD remaining with an option to purchase the player.

Sporting SAD wishes Wallyson the best of personal and professional success.

Sporting dominate in a match which saw four debuts

Sporting claimed a convincing 3-0 win against Moreirense this Saturday, to move clear at the top of Liga NOS ahead of a midweek Champions League visit to Madrid. The two matches may not appear immediately related, but Jorge Jesus' changes in the second-half made it clear that the Alvalade boss is looking to take a fresh side to the Spanish capital.

After wreaking havoc against FC Porto two weeks ago, Gelson once again showed just why he is becoming a regular feature, with another eye-catching performance down the wing. Bas Dost will of course be excused for taking time to settle in his first appearance in a green and white shirt, but the Dutchman did toast his debut with a goal of his own after the break.

It was Gelson who opened the scoring, with a darting run into the middle picked out by a pass from William for a well-controlled first touch and cool finish from close range.

Moreirense had actually started their spiral towards defeat five minutes earlier (22'), when Neto saw a yellow card for protesting a decision from the evening's official. Twelve minutes later, Neto went in hard on William and was shown a much deserved second booking and the resulting red card. Sporting did secure a first-half goal, but it was only after the break that Jesus' side really made the most of the numerical advantage.

Boosted by what was an evidently brilliant half-time intervention from Jorge Jesus, it was the Alvalade new recruits' turn to shine. Bas Dost came painfully close just a minute after the restart, but the giant striker would have to wait for his debut goal. First it was Campbell to open his account, when the Costa Rican found a yard of space with some fine movement and nodded in a brilliant floating cross from Alan Ruiz (52'). Five minutes later, Bost got his goal with some persistent work in the box.

Leading by three and playing against ten, Jesus' side oozed confidence and piled forward. Markovic (60'), Elias (67') and André (78') were also given run-outs, in what was a showing of the depth and quality of a new-look Sporting side ahead of what is sure to be an exciting visit to Madrid.

Elias on his second Alvalade debut

Elias made his Alvalade debut this Saturday, albeit for the second time, in Sporting's 3-0 win against Moreirense this Saturday.

Asked how he feels to be back in a green and white shirt, the Brazilian couldn't be happier. "I am really happy to be back. It is a totally different team and we will fight for the title. I thought we played really well today and I felt good. After the sending off it was a lot easier", said Elias, before commenting on the differences between his two spells at Alvalade: "I don't like to compare things. Everything is good in some way. Things are different now though, with the coach, president and us fighting for the title."