Jesus sparks intrigue with Bernardo Silva training role | OneFootball

Jorge Jesus' first official Portugal session put Real Madrid's Bernardo Silva at the heart of proceedings, as the 25-man squad gathered at Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras to open a new international cycle.

O Jogo reports that on Tuesday afternoon Jesus split the outfield players into defensive and attacking groups, with Bernardo working alongside Joao Palhinha and Ruben Neves, while Vitinha and Joao Neves trained with the forwards.

Goalkeepers Diogo Costa, Rui Silva and Samuel Soares completed separate drills away from the main groups.

The arrangement echoed the 2014-15 Benfica pre-season, when a 19-year-old Bernardo briefly covered at left-back because of injuries under Jesus. He took it as a sign to move to Monaco, though the coach later said it was only a temporary tactic.

This latest drill underlined Jesus' hands-on focus on defensive organisation and positional flexibility as he builds a solid base for the national team. He previously handed Bernardo his senior debut at Benfica.

Portugal continue preparations at Cidade do Futebol ahead of upcoming internationals, aiming to adapt quickly to Jesus' demands.

Source: Goal.com

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