Saudi Campeão this Thursday (21) after beating Dhamk 4-1, Jorge Jesus ended his stay at Al-Nassr without contract renewal. The Portuguese coach responded with humor to speculation that Pep Guardiola could be his successor at the club.
Guardiola would be proud to replace Jesus
Quando asked during an interview if it would be a source of pride to be replaced by Guardiola, the coach responded to the provocation. “No, because he would have to be proud to replace me, not me him”, said Jesus. The SportTV reporter added by asking why Jesus would have this position, and the Portuguese replied directly: “Why are you the champion coach? Exatamente”.
Speculation about his replacement gained strength after the official announcement of Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City at the end of this season. Jornais Saudis like Al Yaum are already considering names for the vacancy left by Jesus.
Missão fulfilled with Cristiano Ronaldo
Jesus pointed to the commitment to Cristiano Ronaldo as the main motivation for his arrival in Saudi football. The coach helped the 41-year-old Portuguese star win his first title in four seasons as a player for Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo scored two goals in the 4-1 victory over Dhamk this Thursday, and the coach made his intention clear from the start. “I only accepted this challenge because I told him: ‘I’m going to help you become champion, we’re going to win the title, and then I’m going to leave, which is the case. Acabou.’
The partnership between coach and player lasted 18 months. Neste period, Jesus implemented tactical changes that culminated in winning Campeonato Saudita, fulfilling the promise made to Ronaldo when accepting the challenge of working at Arábia Saudita’s club.
Próximos steps: Portugal and vacation on Brasil
With Arábia Saudita’s goal achieved, Jesus shared its immediate plans during an interview with the Brazilian platform Goat. The coach assured that his next step does not involve technical command. “I’m going to Portugal for three or four days. Depois, I’m thinking about going to Brasil, I’m thinking about going to Rio. But not to train, I’m just going to go on vacation”, declared Jesus.
Jesus’s decision to leave Al-Nassr after winning the title follows a pattern established since his arrival at the club. The coach had communicated his intention to leave the team as soon as he achieved his main objective. With the mission completed and Cristiano Ronaldo as three-time Saudi champion, the Portuguese ends his cycle in Arábia Saudita football on a high.