Jorge Jesus was today confirmed as Portugal’s new head coach in a ceremony held at the Cidade de Futebol headquarters. The Portuguese manager, who previously coached Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix at Al Nassr, signs a contract until the 2030 World Cup.
The former Benfica and Sporting coach said he wanted to “improve” what he considers a “great” squad, claiming he is now the coach of “12 million people.”
“Our way is to win”, commented Jesus in his initial press conference as new manager of Portugal. The 71 year old also said he feels like a “51 year old because of my great health.”
Jorge Jesus also claimed that Cristiano “will never be a problem”.
Read more about this topic: Jorge Jesus to become Portugal’s next manager; contract until World Cup 2030
“I haven’t spoken to him. I will speak with with him, as well as everyone individually as equals,” said the ex-Al Nassr coach, while also enhancing CR7’s role.
“He’s a symbol of Portugal, of the Seleção, and that will always be a part of history. It’s very easy to work with him. He played 31 matches in Al Nassr with me, and I took him out 16 times, so he will never be a problem,” clarified the new Portugal coach.
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Questioned about his problems in the past with captain Bernardo Silva, Jesus was direct.
“I wanted him to play as a left-back in a pre-season game in the last minutes of the match. At the time he was young and in the beginning of his career. Now he is a world class player. Pep Guardiola also had him play in that position, so we won’t have any problems,” said JJ.
