“We have come to win”: Jorge Jesus takes charge as new Portugal coach

Jorge Jesus has promised to bring a winning mentality to Portugal after being officially unveiled as the new national team coach on Friday.

Speaking at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras after signing a contract through to the 2030 World Cup, the 71-year-old said he was honoured to take charge of “one of the best national teams in the world”.

“Today we have come to win,” Jesus told reporters.

“With the quality we have, we can believe we are capable of achieving great things. I have the opportunity to coach one of the best national teams in the world – and, on top of that, my own national team.”

The 71-year-old coach succeeds Roberto Martínez, who stepped down after Portugal’s disappointing last-16 exit at the World Cup.

Ronaldo “will never be a problem”

One of the first questions facing the new coach concerned Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future after the 41-year-old confirmed the recent World Cup was his last.

Jesus revealed he had not yet spoken to the Portugal captain but made clear he sees no issue in working with him again after coaching him at Al Nassr.

“He will never be a problem for the national team or for me.”

“I’ll speak to Cristiano, just as I’ll speak individually with every player. He is a symbol of Portugal and I had great pleasure working with him. He is very easy to work with.”

Jesus said he first wants to understand Ronaldo’s own ambitions before making any decisions.

“Portugal doesn’t need rebuilding”

The new coach also dismissed suggestions that Portugal needs a major overhaul following its World Cup disappointment.

Asked whether a new generation should now take over, Jesus replied: “No”.

“Only six players are over the age of 30, and two of those are goalkeepers. The average age of the squad is 28. It is a young team and that won’t be our problem.”

He also pointed out that he has already worked with 12 of the players selected for the World Cup, which he believes will help speed up the transition.

“Everyone has to pay the price”

Jesus made it clear that reputation alone will not guarantee a place in his team.

“There are egos in every squad,” he said. “It is more difficult to work with players who think they are great than with those who really are great.”

“We are here to win trophies, and everyone will have to pay the price.”

Portugal’s first matches under Jesus will come in September, beginning with a Nations League fixture against Wales.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.