Jorge Jesus reflects on Flamengo after Portugal’s 2-1 win in Norway | OneFootball

After Portugal’s Nations League win on Sunday, Jorge Jesus reflected on Flamengo, admitting the chance of a return to the Rio club has become more difficult.

“Flamengo means a lot. Perhaps the best period of my career as a club coach. It was historic, not only in sporting terms but emotionally. The way the supporters embraced me, cherished me, I will never forget. I always thought one day I could return to Flamengo, but now I am sure things have become more difficult,” he told ESPN.

Jesus left Flamengo in 2020, amid the pandemic, after five trophies, the Copa Libertadores, Brasileirão, Campeonato Carioca, Supercopa do Brasil and Recopa Sul-Americana.

The closest talks came in 2022 and 2023 after the exits of Paulo Sousa, Dorival Júnior and Vítor Pereira, when vice-president Marcos Braz visited him at home, but Jesus chose to honour his Benfica contract.

In Sousa’s case, Flamengo had struck a deal days before Jesus was dismissed by Benfica. Now 72, and contracted to Portugal until December 2030, he accepts a comeback has become difficult.

After winning the Saudi league in 2025/26, he left Al Nassr and took the Portugal job in July. His team beat Wales 1-0 in his first match, then won 2-1 in Norway at Erling Haaland’s home ground, the forward who eliminated Brazil in the last World Cup in the United States at the round of 16.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”