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.

Luís Maximiano looking forward to the season after national youth championship win

“I wasn't expecting it. Everything happened so quick", said Luís Maximiano in an interview this week after his pre-season medical exams, taken back by a surprise call-up to Jorge Jesus' senior squad.

“I couldn't be happier. It is a dream for any player of my age to get into Sporting's senior team and now I will work hard to repay the people who have shown confidence in me", added the 17-year old, finishing: "I would like to follow Rui Patrício's example. He will be with me to help me grow."

Jorge Jesus' side set for exciting build up to the season with 10 friendlies

AS Monaco, PSV Eindhoven, Lyon and Villareal all await Sporting in what promises to be an exciting pre-season campaign, in what will be a total of 10 friendly encounters.

The first friendly is penciled in for the 9th of July against the B team. A training camp will follow from the 11th to the 18th of July in Lausanne, Switzerland, where Sporting will face Monaco (13th of July, at 20h30), FC Nyonnais (14th of July, at 19h), Zenit (16th of July, at 19h) and PSV Eindhoven (18th of July, at 20h30).

Five days later, Alvalade will host Lyon in the official presentation match. Jesus' side will then take part in the Iberian Trophy (26th of July, at 20h15) against Villarreal, before hosting Wolfsburg in Lisbon in the Five Violins Trophy (30th of July, at 20h).

August is reserved for Sporting's Iberian Cup campaign (4th of August, at 20h) against Betis, ahead of an encounter against Nice the following day (5th of August, at 20h30, in the Algarve Summer Cup.

Player to represent Akhisar Belediye GS next season

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Akhisar Belediye GS for the loan of Miguel Lopes for the 2016/17 season, with no option for a permanent transfer.

Sporting SAD wishes Miguel Lopes the best of personal and professional success.

Players put through their paces ahead of first session on the pitch

Pre-season preparations continued this Wednesday, with another group of players being put through their paces at the CUF Clinic for the usual medical tests.

Gelson Martins, Coates, Barcos, Matheus Pereira and Ruiz (Frederico and Alan) were the first to show their stuff on Tuesday, followed by Ewerton, Wallyson, Stojkovic, Teo Gutiérrez and Aquilani.

In the afternoon session, Ryan Gauld, Francisco Geraldes, Daniel Podence, Guilherme Oliveira and Luís Maximiano (youth team goalkeeper) also underwent their respective medical checks.

Matheus Pereira takes aim at the coming campaign

More motivated than ever. That is how Matheus Pereira is shaping up for the coming season, speaking in an interview after his medical with the club's official health partner, CUF.

“This season will be better. We are all really focused. I rested well and made the most of my holidays. I feel ready to start the season", affirmed the young winger in an interview with the Sporting Journal after his medical this week, adding: "I was missing the fans, because they really get behind us. We always miss our home and I want to get back into the stadium with the fans."

Player loaned to Nacional da Madeira for the coming season

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Clube Desportivo Nacional – Futebol, SAD for the loan of the player Tobias Figueiredo for the 2016/17 season, with no option for a permanent transfer.

Sporting SAD wishes Tobias Figueiredo the best of personal and professional success.

Iuri Medeiros returns to Sporting and is hunting for a place in Jorge Jesus' squad

After a loan spell with Moreirense last season, Iuri Medeiros proved overjoyed with his return to Alvalade this week and has promised to battle for a place in Jorge Jesus' squad.

"I am happy to be back and now I will work hard", said the 21-year old winger, adding: "I want to be part of the group and I will do my best to get into the team. Some of the players aren't back yet but I have had the opportunity to spend some time with the lads and it is nice to catch up with my friends."

João Pereira eager to get the new champaign underway

The pre-season campaign is normally a tough spell for any player after a long break, but not for João Pereira, with the wingback in great shape and eager to get the action underway.

“I was missing this, missing being with the lads for breakfast, for lunch...it is something you get used to and you miss it during the holidays. Thank fully the new season is starting", said the defender after his medial exam this week, adding: "We want to be champions and we will play in every competition to win."

2016/17 campaign gets underway with the usual trip to the medical room

The pre-season officially got underway this week for Sporting CP, but neither a pitch or a ball were anywhere to be seen.

A group of players back from the summer break were at the Alvalade and Infante Santo CUF Clinics with the club's official health partner, to undergo their standard pre-season checks.

João Pereira, Marvin Zeegelaar, Tobias Figueiredo, André Geraldes, Bruno César and Iuri Medeiros were the first to take the physical tests, followed by Coates, Barcos, Matheus Pereira and the brothers Alan and Federico Ruiz.

Paulo Oliveira, Rúben Semedo, Schelotto, Jefferson, João Palhinha and goalkeeper Azbe Jug joined the group in the afternoon, along with Carlos Mané, Bruno Paulista, Ricardo Esgaio, Naldo and Spalvis.