Bruno Fernandes says Portugal’s players have adapted quickly to Jorge Jesus’ methods and are being rewarded by their results, despite continued attention on Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking before Portugal’s UEFA Nations League home match against Norway, Fernandes said the squad was united and urged supporters not to take sides amid the external focus on Ronaldo.
“There is still room for improvement, and there will always be room for improvement in every game,” Fernandes said. “But the reality is that the players have adapted well, we are playing well and the team is winning.”
Portugal’s players have repeatedly praised the impact of Jesus since his appointment, while Norway’s coach said the hosts should currently be considered one of the top three teams in Europe.
Fernandes was asked whether the team felt happier under Jesus and whether the new style better reflected the football the players wanted to play. He said similar questions had followed the change from Fernando Santos to Martinez.
According to Fernandes, every manager has a different approach, with some systems and coaching methods suiting certain players more than others. He thanked Santos for giving him his first Portugal call-up and Martinez for providing him with many opportunities.
Fernandes also praised Jesus, saying he was already familiar with his footballing philosophy. The midfielder said the squad had quickly understood the coach’s demands, particularly without the ball.
Jesus has placed a strong emphasis on defensive organisation, including the positioning of the back four, the team’s pressing and the way Portugal attempt to prevent opponents from building attacks. Fernandes said the defence had performed close to the standards required by the manager.
He added that winning made it easier for players and supporters to believe the team understood the coach’s ideas. A defeat, he warned, could quickly lead to claims that either the tactics were wrong or the players had failed to grasp them.
Fernandes has operated in different roles during the new manager’s first matches. Against Wales, he played from the inside-left area in a false-winger position, while in the following game, against Denmark in Copenhagen, he moved closer to a number 10 or second-striker role.
He said the positions were similar when Portugal had the ball, but required different defensive responsibilities. From the left, he must press wider, track the opposing full-back and move inside when the ball is on the opposite flank. In the more advanced role, he begins the press alongside the forwards before dropping into a midfield three when Portugal defend deeper.
In possession, Fernandes aims to occupy the inside channel and leave space for attacking full-backs Nuno Mendes and Nuno Tavares. He also looks to combine with the number 10, number 8, second striker and centre-forward, including through one-twos such as those seen against Denmark.
Asked about the attention surrounding Ronaldo, Fernandes said the squad was accustomed to the interest. Ronaldo played in Portugal’s first game but not their second or third, while Fernandes said most of the squad had played alongside him for many years.
“We need to set aside any possible noise and focus on what matters most, which is playing football on the field,” he said. “What we need to manage is our own emotions and keep them stable when we step onto the field.”
