Alvalade boss speaks with the press ahead of Sunday's Supercup encounter

“Both sides want to win and we will see who is the better side”, opened Jorge Jesus in a press conference on Saturday, setting the stage for Sporting’s Supercup encounter with Benfica in Estádio Algarve.

“It is a final between two rivals and we are all aware of how important this game is. We have prepared ourselves as well as we could during the pre-season. Only the best teams reach this match and it is a good sign for Sporting to be involved”, reflected the Sporting coach.

Questioned about how his new-look side is progressing, Jorge Jesus proved happy: “It isn’t the same thing to arrive at a club and try and implant an idea. With different ideas, you also have to work in a different way, so we have to accept that things won’t go as good as I want them to sometimes. However, I am happy to be working with some very intelligent players, which helps a lot. We are a club with national prestige and we want to do our best to win the Supercup.”

Asked for his thoughts on Sunday’s opposition, Jorge Jesus added: “Benfica is champion and their players have won seven trophies out of eight, but being favourite doesn’t give you the right to win. We are feeling confident that we have the capacity to play in a final against a team like Benfica.”

Sporting president speaks with the Portuguese Football Federation

In the build-up to this Sunday’s Supercup between Sporting and Benfica, president Bruno de Carvalho has left a message on the Portuguese Football Federation’s official website

“I am writing this message with the pleasure of opening a new season in which Sporting Clube de Portugal will begin how we finished last season: with a match which decides another trophy.

In May we travelled to Jamor to face Sporting Clube de Braga, the last obstacle separating us from one of our objectives for the season. Now we travel to the Algarve to take on the national champion and to begin a new cycle by lifting the Cândido de Oliveira Supercup.

Cândido de Oliveira deserves a special mention. A lot of times when speaking about this trophy, people forget to remember a figure of national sport and of Sporting in particular. He knew everything there is to know about football. He was a player, the first captain of the national team, he was the coach behind the Five Violins, he was the national coach and he was a journalist and founder of the newspaper 'A Bola'. On and off the pitch, he was an exemplary citizen, decided to sport.

This is a competition that is different to all other. It gauges a moment, it takes the pulse of the teams and it entertains fans as they prepare for a long season full of emotions, dreams and triumphs.

The 9th of August is final day and it is another party and another opportunity for two clubs who are part of national football history to showcase the ideals of true sportsmanship. Both on and off the pitch, although a trophy is to be won, it is a chance for fair-play and for fans to enjoy their day.

On that note, I finish with a message for all of Sporting Clube de Portugal’s fans and Club Members who will travel to Algarve to support us like they did in Jamor: your support can take us that extra yard. We are counting on you for yet another showing of your unconditional support for the team, guided by our motto of Effort, Dedication Devotion and Glory!”

Sporting Clube de Portugal, Futebol, SAD, notes following negotiations with the athlete Kevin-Prince Boateng that it was not possible to reach an agreement relative to his image rights

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

Jorge Jesus happy with his side's 2-0 win against Roma

Jorge Jesus was evidently pleased with his side’s 2-0 win over Roma this Saturday, in toughest test of the pre-season campaign so far.

“Today we played against the team that Finished second in Italy and they have some great players. Today Sporting reacted well and I was some interesting things”, opened the Alvalade boss, before responding to a question on potential transfer activity: “The squad is in training and will be until the 31st of August.”

Sporting beats Roma 2-0

Sporting made a superb home debut this season with a 2-0 win over the visiting Roma in the Five Violins Trophy.

As expected, Alvalade was packed out to welcome back Jorge Jesus’ squad ahead of the new campaign. However, Roma were in no mood to facilitate walkover and neither side really took a firm grip of the action in the first-half.

Sporting come out more attacking after the break, but some squandered chances in front of goal meant that the opener was made to wait until three minutes after the hour mark, when Slimani found the back of the net. Nine minutes later, Mané come off the bench to round off the 2-0 win.

Jorge Jesus’ side will now focus on preparation for the Supercup against Benfica, to be played on the 9th of August.

Sporting beats Roma 2-0

Sporting made a superb home debut this season with a 2-0 win over the visiting Roma in the Five Violins Trophy.

As expected, Alvalade was packed out to welcome back Jorge Jesus’ squad ahead of the new campaign. However, Roma were in no mood to facilitate walkover and neither side really took a firm grip of the action in the first-half.

Sporting come out more attacking after the break, but some squandered chances in front of goal meant that the opener was made to wait until three minutes after the hour mark, when Slimani found the back of the net. Nine minutes later, Mané come off the bench to round off the 2-0 win.

Jorge Jesus’ side will now focus on preparation for the Supercup against Benfica, to be played on the 9th of August.

Senior team clinical update

Ewerton – rupture of the lateral ligament in the left ankle. Undergoing treatment.
William Carvalho – stress fracture to the left tibia. Recovery time 10 to 12 weeks. Undergoing treatment.
Palhinha – In specialised training for a dislocated shoulder.
Ciani – gastroenteritis.

Clinical Department

Special moment as part of Five Violin Trophy

Gabriel Madeira is just six years old, but he is already a true example of courage, determination and perseverance. Today, the little number 10, whose mother is Italian, will step up to the centre circle to take the kick off against Roma in the Five Violins Trophy.

In May the Sporting Foundation arranged a special visit by Cédric, with the left-back making a surprise stop at the Portuguese Oncology Institute to visit Gabriel and several other little heroes.

Today, almost three months later, Gabriel is fighting strong. Speaking after signing a contract with president Bruno de Carvalho in an executive box in Estádio José Avalade, Gabriel declared “I want to see Montero score three goals!”

Jesus leads charges in last workout in South Africa

Jorge Jesus led his squad of 26 through a final training session in Cape Town this Monday, ahead of the return to the Portuguese capital.

Rúben Semedo, who was substituted against Crystal Palace with a knock to the shoulder, took part in the warm up, with the squad going through their usual exercises at the beginning of the session

Pereira looking to get Alvalade return off with a bang

João Pereira was in the press room ahead of the start of this week’s Cape Town Cup, speaking with the press about his side’s objectives in South Africa.

“It is an international tournament and we want to win the title. We will think about the Supercup when it comes to it, but for now we have to prepare”, opened the Alvalade wing-back, adding a word on his return to Lisbon: “Everything is going really well. Some things have changed of course and our objectives are more ambitious now.”