Jorge Jesus ahead of Monday's hosting of Rio Ave

Jorge Jesus was with the press on Sunday afternoon for the Rio Ave pre-match press conference. While brushing off the idea of extra pressure coming from his side being provisionally in 2nd in the table, the Sporting coach was cautious to alert to the quality of Monday's opposition.

“Rio Ave are one of the best teams in the league. They are hard to play against tactically and how they play is well drilled, because they have had the same coach for a while now. We know what Rio Ave are worth and we will have to be in good form to win", opened the Alvalade boss, continuing: “We are in a position where we are the intruders in relation to our two rivals. We have said since the beginning of the season that we want to be in the fight, but we never thought we would be in first at this stage of the season. We are really proud for having been in first for so long and it shows the quality of the squad."

Explaining that Jefferson and Naldo have not been declared fit to face Rio Ave, while revealing that William Carvalho is in with a shout, Jesus also spoke about Coates, Barcos and Teo Gutiérrez: “Coates and Barcos haven't been with us for long and they are getting to know how the team works. Coates is pretty much match fit, while Barcos played a couple of weeks pre-season in China. They could be both included in the squad. Teo is focused. He arrived a bit later, which I authorised due to the injury he had. He is stable physically and he will be in the squad tomorrow is nothing happens in the meantime."

Guaranteeing that he has enough attacking options, despite the exit of Montero and Tanaka, Jorge Jesus dismissed comments on Carrillo and reflected on Octávio Mochado's statement on refereeing after last week's victory over Académica: “It isn't easy to be a referee in Portugal. We have good referees here, but everything is analysed here after the game, when it is easy to give out opinions. It is is a bit like the football team: when they don't play well, they are critised."

Sporting CP-Rio Ave will kick off at 19h00 on Monday, in Estádio José Alvalade.