Jorge Jesus happy with his first week of pre-season training

Sporting's senior team is already out on the training pitch under Jorge Jesus' watchful eye, preparing for the coming pre-season campaign. Going into his second season at the Alvalade helm, the Sporting coach proved confident ahead of the start of official action in August: "We are feeling confident, because we have to be better after a year together. It helps ingrain ideas. If last year we came close and we want to improve on that, then we have to think about the title."

Speaking about the week's medical exams and training, Jesus revealed some of methods applied on the pitch: "Players who play for me have to be hungry for the ball, they have to want to get out there. If they aren't then they don't have much chance. Some of the lads are already used to that and those who have come in will have to get used to it. Most of the team came back in good shape. Alan Ruiz is a bit more difficult, because he was out of action for a while. The Argentinean league finished three months ago, so you can see the difference. In general I am satisfied and it is important that we don't push the players too hard at this stage."

Sporting will travel to Switzerland on the 11th of July, where the squad will remain until the 19th of July. Asked about the choice of venue, Jesus noted: "I and the president think it is a good idea to spend some time in pre-season in Europe. There are a lot of Portuguese immigrants over there, a lot of Sporting fans, and that contact will help build up a dynamic."

Monaco, FC Nyonnais, Zenit and PSV Eindhoven all await Lausanne and Jesus isn't about to underestimate what will most certainly be tough challenges. "They are Champions League sides. Pre-season results mean something, but it isn't the most important thing. Harder matches will force us to play harder and that is what we want", finished Jesus.