New Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus assures continuity in his squad after the World Cup exit, keeping Cristiano Ronaldo as a core player.
New Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus assures continuity in his squad after the World Cup exit, keeping Cristiano Ronaldo as a core player.
Newly-appointed Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus remains committed to a familiar approach while preparing for his role following a disappointing World Cup campaign. Jesus, having signed a four-year deal to lead the national team until the 2030 World Cup, expressed his intent to largely retain the squad that participated in the recent tournament.
The former Al-Nassr manager emphasized that wholesale changes to the team’s roster would be avoided as he approaches his Nations League debut. Reflecting on Portugal’s early exit from the 2026 World Cup, the 71-year-old shared that the limited preparation time would not lend itself well to major experimentation.
“People might think that the new manager is going to come in and change a lot of players. That won’t happen. I’m not stupid. On top of that, I don’t have enough time to bring in several players who weren’t called up this time,” Jesus stated.
With Ronaldo, a stalwart in Portuguese football, at the forefront of his plans, Jesus conveyed that only a small number of changes would be made to the squad. He acknowledged, “Over the next four years, new players will undoubtedly emerge, but it won’t stray far from those who were called up [for the World Cup]. Two or three new players, something along those lines, it won’t stray far from that.”
Retaining Ronaldo as a key figure, Jesus emphasized the necessity for improved performance levels if they aim to be competitive among Europe’s elite. He stated, “If the national team doesn’t play better than they did at the World Cup, I won’t do any better. Together with my coaching staff, we have to play better, otherwise, we’ll just keep chasing a dream we’ve had for years.”
Historically, Portugal has a strong record, notably winning the Euros a decade ago and claiming two Nations League titles. Despite this success, Jesus candidly pointed out, “We have great players, but we don’t win much. Just last year, Portugal, France, Germany, and Spain reached the finals.”
Jesus’s tenure kicks off as Portugal prepares to face Wales in their Nations League Group A4 opener on September 24. The expectation surrounding Ronaldo’s role alongside Jesus builds anticipation for the transition into this new chapter for the Seleccao.
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