CORNERFLICK
Jorge Jesus says Cristiano Ronaldo will not be a problem as he begins his spell as Portugal head coach, insisting the captain is easy to work with and that the squad is ready for success.
Jesus, 71, was formally presented as Roberto Martinez’s replacement and used his first press conference to set out a clear aim: win with Portugal. He said the national team’s style under him will look different from previous eras and claimed the squad’s quality gives it room to grow.
He opened by thanking the federation president and called the job the biggest honour of his coaching career. "We have come to win," he said, adding that Portugal can raise both the value of the players and the team as a whole.
The former club coach said he has studied for the role and sees little difference between club and international management beyond having less time on the training pitch. He also said he has not yet spoken to Ronaldo, but plans one-to-one meetings with the captain and every player soon.
Jesus said he wants Portugal to start in September with a win over Wales. He also spoke about the possibility of working with Pepe.