Portugal appoint Jorge Jesus to replace Robert Martínez | OneFootball

Portugal moved quickly, presenting Jorge Jesus as head coach on Friday, four days after Robert Martínez resigned following the last-16 defeat by Spain.

El Periódico Mediterráneo reports that the 71-year-old has signed a four-season contract running to the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host with Spain and Morocco. Portugal’s best World Cup finishes are third in 1966 and 2006.

His appointment marks a sharp shift from Martínez. Jesus is known for a forceful personality, intense standards and frequent controversy. In 2015 he left Benfica after six seasons to join city rivals Sporting, a move that proved shorter and less successful.

With Benfica he won three league titles, one Cup, one Super Cup and five League Cups. With Sporting he lifted one League Cup and one Super Cup, departing in 2018 after ultras attacked the training ground. He returned to Benfica in 2021.

He also coached Braga, Os Belenenses and Estrela da Amadora. At Flamengo he won every competition they contested over one and a half years, including the Copa Libertadores, lifting five trophies and suffering only four defeats.

Mindful of debate around the 41-year-old captain, Jesus said Cristiano Ronaldo would not be a problem. He said he picked him when he felt he should play and did not when he felt otherwise, noting he had substituted him 16 times, and underlined that selection is his call. He did not confirm whether Ronaldo will be called up, saying any inclusion would depend on what he judges best.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo