Jorge Jesus said he had “zero regret” about claiming some Portugal players have greater status than others after his side beat Denmark 4-2 away in the UEFA Nations League group stage.
The Portugal manager said the team’s performance was more important than previous discussions and that his focus had already shifted to the next match against Norway at the Estadio do Dragao.
“Today, the Portugal national team displayed a very high competitive level,” Jesus said. “We scored four goals and, in my opinion, played to a very high standard.”
He expects the stadium to be full when Portugal return home, adding that reconnecting with the country’s supporters was now his priority.
Asked whether he regretted saying that certain players had a “special status more important than everyone else”, Jesus rejected the suggestion.
“No, not at all. Zero regret,” he said. “I still hold exactly the same view. There are players with special status and prestige in the team. For me, this is as clear as water – extremely objective and explicit.”
However, he stressed that the same rules and standards applied to everyone.
“Team rules and discipline apply equally to everyone,” he added. “This is an ongoing process. Throughout my long coaching career, I have always thought this way, and I will continue to adhere to this philosophy.”
Portugal were pegged back twice by Denmark but recovered to win, something Jesus attributed to the experience of players who represent leading clubs around the world.
“They have faced many similar situations in their careers, such as being equalised after taking the lead,” he said. “What is crucial is that they have firm belief in everything they do on the pitch.”
Jesus said the squad’s trust in his tactical plan was also decisive, describing the victory as Portugal’s best performance of their last three matches.
He highlighted Goncalo Ramos’s goal as an example of the positional attacking work developed in training during the previous two days. Joao Cancelo’s goal was more direct and came from a quick counter-attack, but Jesus said both goals reflected the team’s tactical preparation.
The manager also praised Portugal’s defensive work, particularly against an opponent he described as physically stronger. He said football required control of five phases of play and that his side had defended set pieces effectively.
Jesus dismissed the idea that the result was intended as a political statement or an announcement of a new era.
“If there must be a signal, it is a ‘high quality’ signal,” he said, explaining that his aim was for Portugal to play with a clear understanding of every detail.
He added that Portugal accepted defensive risks by pressing high, with centre-backs sometimes moving close to the opposition penalty area to target key players. The squad, he said, enjoyed the high-risk, high-reward style.
Jesus also said he had not seen or heard boos from Portugal supporters. He praised fans who travel hundreds or thousands of kilometres to follow the national team, saying his six years coaching abroad had helped him understand the strength of their patriotism and sense of belonging.
