Jorge Jesus happy with his side's performance against Moreirense

Jorge Jesus spoke with the press after Saturday's 3-0 win against Moreirense, in what was a game of two halves for his much-changed side.

"We had some good spells. It looked a lot easier after our third goal and we took our foot off the accelerator a bit. Some of the lads are just back from the international break as well. I thought we passed the ball around well. Bas Dost is still getting to know the team and you could see that a bit in the first-half and it was the same with Campbell. We spoke at half-time and we improved after that. We gave some of the new faces to play and they did well", opened Jesus.

Speaking in further depth about his new signings, the Sporting coach added: "Bas Dost loosened up in the second-half. He didn't really know where to position himself before that. He was a lot of experience, but a debut is always tough and you could see that in everyone. Markovic looked the most confident, but he already knows Portuguese football. He is still a long way off the player that I know he can be though. All of the new players are creative and we have to give them time on the pitch. This squad gives us confidence to make choices, especially with us being in the Champions League. We will face the European champions next week, but we know what we are capable of and we are feeling confident."

Jorge Jesus expecting a tough challenge from Moreirense on Saturday

Jorge Jesus sat down with the press this Friday for his habitual pre-match press conference, ahead of Liga NOS matchday 4 against Moreirense. The weekend's visitors might not be one of Portugal's biggest names, however the Alvalade boss warned that his side will have to take the fixture seriously if they are to come away with three points.

"We will approach this game the same way we did with our other home matches this season. The most important thing is that we can live up to our potential and so far this season the team has been brilliant at doing that. That is what matters and that is what we have been working on during the week", opened Jorge, adding: "We will respect our opponent and they have some good young and talented players that are looking to make a name for themselves in this league. We will face a team that tries to keep organised in defence, but we are ready."

Preparing for the first encounter after a busy summer transfer market that has resulted in a notably different Alvalade squad, Jesus affirmed: "We are a privileged club, with some really talented players that left and some that didn't. João Mário and Slimani showed a great attitude and the same can be said of Adrien, William and Rui Patrício. These lads grew up here and the passion they have for the club makes them think a bit differently. They are 100% with us."

To finish, Jesus fended off a question on a coming midweek visit to the Spanish capital: "Honestly I wouldn't even have remembered the game against Real Madrid. We are focused on our next opponent, which is Moreirense."

Bruno de Carvalho out to show his support in return to Liga NOS action

Bruno de Carvalho travelled to Alcochete this morning to show his backing to the players ahead of Sporting's hosting of Moreirense on Saturday afternoon (18h15).

Accompanied by the Director of Professional Football, Octávio Machado, and the Club's Support Office Director, André Geraldes, the Sporting president had the pleasure of watching Bas Dost and Markovic work through the session.

Alvalade star starts in 3-1 win against Panama

A convincing Costa Rica national team beat Panama 3-1 this week, in a CONCACAF World Cup Qualification Group B match which saw Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz called up.

The Alvalade number 7 started the evening and was substituted after 64 minutes, while Bryan Ruiz remained on the bench.

Bolanos, on 19' and 80', and Matarrita on 85' were on target for Costa Rica, while Tejada netted for Panama.
 

President praises Adrien, Rui Patrício and William Carvalho

In a publication on his official Facebook page, Bruno de Carvalho showered Alvalade's captain's with praise, affirming that they "are the best in the world in their positions" and that is in honour to have them in Alvalade.

João Pereira battles back spot in the Alvalade defence and is expecting a tough challenge this weekend

Looking ahead to this weekend's Liga NOS matchday 4 hosting of Moreirense, João Pereira is expecting a tough afternoon's work against what is typically stobborn opposition.

"It will be hard. We wanted to win every game, but especially now that we are at the top of the league. Moreirense are an organised team with a new coach and it will be hard for us, but we are favourites and we have to show why on the pitch", affirmed the wing-back, adding a word on the squad's return after the recent international break: "The break was good for integrating the new players, even though Markovic and Bas Dost arrived a bit later on."

Serbian national coach happy to see Marković back in training

Lazar Marković had been in Lisbon for lass than 24 hours, but he already has his boots on and was on the training pitch for Wednesday's afternoon session in Alcochete.

Speaking in an interview with the newspaper O Jogo, the Serbian national coach, Slavoljub Muslin, also proved pleased with Marković's return to the Portuguese capital: "It is good for him to go back to a country where he was happy and where he showed hsi quality. It is also important for him to be with a coach that knows him and that makes him a better player. I think Jorge Jesus will turn him into a real weapon for Sporting.”

Lazar Markovic touches down in Lisbon to join Jesus' squad

On landing in Lisbon after agreeing a move to Alvalade from Liverpool, Lazar Marković left a clear message on his intentions in Alvalade: "I am here to win the league."

Although the influence of Jorge Jesus, who already worked with Marković in the 2013/2014 season, was fundamental in his return to Portugal, the Serbian also saw other attractions: "the coach, the president, the club's ambition. that is all important to me."

Jesus in extensive interview as he looks to inspire Alvalade to silverware

"We have to wake up the sleeping lion" was the challenge laid down to Jorge Jesus when he made an ambitious move to Alvalade. Speaking in an interview with Record after three matches into the current domestic campaign and following on from on of Sporting's finest transfer window performances in recent times, Jesus reflected on his relationship with the club president and what his team is gunning for this season.

"He (the president) believed in me and it have me strength. He told me that things would be sorted out step by step and honestly that it what has happened. The president has given me whatever I have asked for whenever he can", affirmed Jesus, adding: "I have changed Sporting in terms of structure and the president has been fantastic in that, because he doesn't say no to anything."

Speaking about Sporting's transfer activity, the Alvalade coach continued: "If you think Sporting did the best out of the big three clubs, then that is a reflection of who picked the players. Sporting can pay 10 million euros for Bas Dost these days because of the work done to get the best out of the lads who were transferred for record fees. There is no truth whatsoever in me supposedly threatening to resign if Adrien Silva left and he won't stop being captain because of what happened. Not once have I considered taking the armband off him."

Joel Campbell happy with his move to the Portuguese capital

Joel Campell paused for a moment to speak with the press after his substitute apperance against Haiti in a 1-0 win for Costa Rica this weekend.

Asked about his recent loan move to Lisbon from London giants Arsenal, Campbell affirmed: "I feel great and happy with this new experience. I think I deserved to play more, but this is a new phase for me now."