Benfica on alert: Jorge Jesus on Palhinha tension, I'm not worried | OneFootball

Jorge Jesus was asked about João Palhinha and the possibility of the midfielder being booed by fans in the match between Portugal and Wales, scheduled for September 24 at Alvalade. The current national team coach called up the holding midfielder for the 2026/27 Nations League matches, but the inclusion of the former Sporting player, now linked with Benfica, is expected to add some tension to his return to the Lions’ stadium.

"Palhinha? I’m calling up players for the Portuguese national team, I’m not concerned whether they play for Benfica or Sporting," he said, clarifying the criteria he uses in his selections and dismissing any concerns related to clubs.

The 72-year-old coach also stressed that player selection is based exclusively on current form and the quality they have shown. "What matters to me is the players’ form and quality. I can’t answer for the fans’ reaction," he added.

He is making his return to the national team after missing the World Cup. Samuel Soares and Tomás Araújo were the other Benfica players called up by Jorge Jesus. João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Nuno Tavares, João Neves, Bernardo Silva, João Félix, Gonçalo Ramos and Fábio Silva were also selected.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.