Portugal are set for another chapter in the Cristiano Ronaldo era. Just days after Roberto Martinez stepped down following Portugal’s disappointing FIFA World Cup exit, the Portuguese Football Federation is set to turn to one of Ronaldo’s most trusted managers in recent times.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the federation is preparing to appoint Jorge Jesus, the 71-year-old veteran coach as Martinez’s successor. A meeting between Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca has reportedly been scheduled to discuss the role.
If appointed, it would mark the first time in Jesus’ long coaching career that he has taken charge of a national team. The move also reunites Jesus with Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he coached at Al Nassr last season. Jesus guided the Saudi Pro League club to the league title, with Ronaldo playing a central role in the title-winning campaign.
Martinez’s exit came immediately after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup. The Belgian confirmed after the match that his tenure had come to an end.
“It is the end of the cycle,” Martinez said after the defeat.
“It is important now to have that again, and it is legitimate for the president to choose his national team coach. I am grateful for all the support they gave me.”
Martinez’s spell in charge often came under scrutiny for his unwavering faith in Ronaldo. The Portugal captain, who turned 41 earlier this year, remained an automatic starter and regularly completed full matches despite growing questions over whether the side had become too dependent on their all-time leading scorer.
RONALDO’S RELATIONSHIP WITH JORGE JESUS
Jesus, however, has never hidden his admiration for Ronaldo either. The veteran coach repeatedly backed the forward during their time together at Al Nassr, where Ronaldo enjoyed another prolific season as the club lifted the Saudi Pro League title.
Should the appointment go through, Jesus will inherit one of the most talented squads in international football, featuring the likes of Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and Joao Neves. Yet, the biggest question surrounding his tenure is likely to remain the same as it was under Martinez: how long Portugal continue to build their team around Ronaldo.
Jesus brings more than three decades of coaching experience to the role. He has previously managed Benfica, Sporting CP and Turkish giants Fenerbahce, besides successful spells in Saudi Arabia. A former defender, Jesus played professionally between 1973 and 1990 before moving into coaching.
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