Portugal coach Jorge Jesus says Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix may briefly appear in each other’s positions during Tuesday’s game against Denmark, although he will not instruct them to make a deliberate positional switch.
Portugal face Denmark at Braga Municipal Stadium knowing victory would be expected to secure top spot in the group.
“Our goal is to finish first in the group and fight for victory,” Jesus told Sport TV. “But we also know that the opponent is a good team, with excellent individual players and physically strong.
“The movement and coordination of the Portugal players will not give the Denmark players time to move forward and exploit their physical advantage. By the time they arrive, the ball will no longer be there.”
Jesus believes the positioning of Denmark’s defence could provide Fernandes with more room to influence the match.
“If they play the player who previously played right-back in Denmark, he is a center-back, which is beneficial for Bruno Fernandes,” he said. “Will Alexander Bah play? If so… what about Victor Froholdt? Is he not playing? Then they will play as they did before in Denmark.”
The coach said Portugal would retain their established approach while making adjustments based on Denmark’s strengths.
“Our approach to the game will remain unchanged,” said Jesus. “The team has its own playing philosophy, which will not change, but will be adjusted according to the opponent. Today Bruno might have to run a little more…”
Jesus also discussed the possible use of Neves as a defensive midfielder and highlighted the player’s ability to link defence with attack.
“They are all very good players, but with different characteristics,” he said. “Even if Neves plays further away from the forwards, he can pass the ball to them with amazing speed.
“Defensively, he has worked with me for the past few years, which is also his advantage. The balance between him and the two center-backs is well maintained.”
Portugal have several options for the second-striker role, according to Jesus. Fernandes, young Mora and Francisco Trincao are among the players being considered, with the coach also looking beyond the immediate match.
“We have many players who can play this position,” he said. “Bruno Fernandes, young Mora, and Francisco Trincao. We have also considered the future.”
Jesus dismissed the idea that Fernandes and Joao Felix would be assigned to exchange positions during the match, but accepted that their movement could naturally lead to temporary changes.
“Only during the game might they temporarily leave their positions due to movement and appear in each other’s positions, but we will not arrange for them to consciously swap positions,” he said. “Joao does not have such characteristics. Bruno’s current position is similar to where he played at Sporting CP and now at Manchester United.”
