Cristiano Piccini shares his first impressions of Sporting CP

Cristiano Piccini is one of the four new faces under Jorge Jesus' orders this season and he was out on the Sporting Academy training pitch for the first time this Monday. Speaking briefly with the Sporting Journal after the session, the Italian full back affirmed: "I really liked my first session with Jorge Jesus. I was really eager to meet him, because everyone talks a lot about him. It went well and I think I will learn a lot as player."

Cristiano Piccini went on to share his first thoughts on Lisbon and the rest of the squad: "I am really happy to be here. It was obvious as soon as I arrived that this is a massive club that has everything needed to win competitions. My girlfriend is Portuguese and is a Sporting CP fan, like the rest of her family, so they were really happy when I signed. Now I just have to put the work in. The players here are incredible, even the young players. There are even some more who are away with the national team right now. Our first objective is into the Champions League group stage, but of course we want to win the national league."

Jorge Jesus with squad of 21 players for first session out on the pitch

The senior squad were out on the training pitch at the Sporting Academy for the first time this pre-season on Monday morning. Jorge Jesus had a total of 21 players at his disposal, including the new faces Rodrigo Battaglia, André Pinto (who had already trained with the squad at the end of last season), Cristiano Piccini and Mattheus Oliveira.

Still away on international duty are Rui Patrício, Beto, Adrien Silva, William Carvalho, Gelson Martins, Daniel Podence, Francisco Geraldes and Iuri Medeiros.

Alvalade stars put the final touches to Friday's encounter

Sporting CP completed one last final training session in the Almaty Arena this Thursday afternoon, ahead of the UEFA Futsal Cup Final Four semi-final against Gazprom-Ugra. The session was open to the press for 15 minutes, while the players warmed up. Deo and Dieguinho are Sporting CP's two injury doubts for tomorrow, but both took part in the session.

Sporting CP and Ugra crossed paths out on the court and Deo and the Russian captain Aleksandr Kopeikin captured the moment perfectly.

Sporting CP train on the UEFA Futsal Cup Final Four court for the first time

Sporting CP's futsal squad trained for the first time in the Almaty Arena today, ahead of of the UEFA Futsal Cup Final Four.

The session lasted a little over an hour. For the opening exercises the squad split into groups, with the goalkeepers working with Raul Oliveira. Half an hour later, Nuno Dias took charge for some attacking and defending drills.

Sporting CP's return to the hotel coincided with the arrival of the Spanish side Inter Movistar for their training session, with the Russian side Urga the only group yet to arrive.

Nuno Dias ups the tempo on second day

The second day of training in Almaty and Nuno Dias is turning the screw, after giving his players the opportunity to recover from the long trip from Lisbon.

In general the session focused on technique, while the goalkeepers were also put through their faces in front of some stinging shots.

Tomorrow will be Sporting CP's first run out onto the court at the Almaty Arena.

Sporting CP futsal work off the long flight from the Portuguese capital

After breakfast and a short walk, Sporting CP held their first training session in Almaty this week, at the AFC Kairat Academy.

Nuno Dias used the session to give his players the chance to stetch off after the seven thousand kilometer trip from Lisbon.

Jorge Jesus puts players through their paces in Vila Pouca de Aguiar

Vila Pouca de Aguiar hosted an open door training session for Sporting CP's senior squad this Sunday morning. Around on hundred fans braved the cold to show their support.

The players who saw most time on the pitch on Saturday night were given a rest for the session, while the rest of the players made the most of the opportunity to practice penalties ahead of the coming midweek Cup tie against Chaves.

At the end of the session the younger generations made the most of the opportunity to snap some photographs with Jorge Jesus.

More than 5500 fans attend open session in Estádio José Alvalade

The Sporting Foundation took the lead in promoting a charity training session this Wednesday, with the professional football team being put through their paces in front of 5500 fans in Estádio José Alvalade. The fans responded in kind to the gesture, contributing 8000 presents for those most in need.

"Thank you for participating today, as part of the Sporting family. Happy holidays and a happy new year", said coach Jorge Jesus to the fans after the session.

Alvalade beach soccer legend, Madjer, was also in Alvalade. "We made a point of bringing a little something along today. Attitudes off the pitch are what make the difference", said the beach soccer skipper.

Session open to all club members and fans

Sporting Clube de Portugal's professional football squad will hold an open-door training session in Estádio José Alvalade at 17h00 on Tuesday the 27th of December.

The session is open to all club members and fans, with presents also being given to the younger generations by the Sporting Foundation.

Gates will open at 16h00.

Jesus leads his first training session Warsaw ahead of Champions League matchday 6