Veteran coach Jorge Jesus, 70, from Portugal, is officially the new manager of Al Nassr. The agreement has Cristiano Ronaldo's Soal of Approving – the biggest star of the team had expressed his support for the coach and his approval was the key. Al Nassr is determined to return to winning ways, and bringing in Jesus a big step to satisfy Ronaldo as to meet the conditions of the attacker to renew his contract until 2027. Jesus has signed an annual deal, as confirmed by Al Nassr on social media.
Jesus moves and Cristiano renewal
After the resignation of Stéfano Pioli, Jorge Jesus and Sérgio Conukição appeared as the best contenders to fill the vacancy. The earlier experience of Jesus in the Saudi competition has tipped the scales to his advantage, in addition to his long and decorated career. This will be the 16th club that he manages, and in particular the first time he will coach Ronaldo.
Until May Jorge Jesus was at the helm of Al Hilal – one of the brightest rivals of Al Nassr. With the “Blues” he achieved a domestic treble in the 202222-23 season, and won the Saudi competition, cup and super cup. His CV also includes silverware with Benfica, Fenerbahçe, Flamengo and Sporting Lisbon. A proven winner is expected that Jesus will lead both Ronaldo and Al Nassr back to the top.
“I couldn't reject the challenge that Cristiano gave me”
“I like to be in Saudi Aarabia – it's the Land of the Future, both in football and beyond. We are very happy to be back. I have always been happy there. I have always won, and now I'm going to try again,” the coach told a Bola of Lisbon Airport.
It is not surprising that Jesus Ronaldo has credited as the central figure in his return: 'I would not go without his invitation. Ronaldo has always won where he played, but not yet in Saudi Arabia. Let's see if I can help him this year.
He also spoke to the controversy to return to coaching a rival club – something he has done before, both Benfica and Sporting in Portugal managed. Now he will already lead Nassr after his stint in Al Hilal. “I was always treated well on Al Hilal – no complaints. That is only part of the coach. I am now back at the rival,” he said.
And in a surprising recognition, he revealed a great regret of last year: he gave the opportunity to manage the Brazilian national team before Carlo Ancelotti was appointed. “Last year I made a mistake by not accepting the range of Brazil. I did not want to leave because I was fully dedicated to Al Hilal.”
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