Jorge Jesus says the dispute surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo has not affected Portugal’s unity after his side beat Denmark 4-2 in the Nations League.
Portugal’s victory at Parken in Copenhagen on Thursday was their third match under Jesus, who said he had seen the team improve with each game.
“What pleased me most was the win, of course,” Jesus told Portuguese newspaper A Bola. “This was our third match and I feel the team is getting better from game to game. We develop through the analysis we make of our matches and, in the next game, the team usually produces a higher level in both defence and attack.”
Jesus said Denmark had posed a demanding test and praised Portugal’s handling of set pieces.
“Winning 4-2 here is not easy,” he said. “Denmark are a big team, difficult to stop, with technical quality and great strength from set pieces. Once again, we were good defensively in that area.”
The Portugal manager was also pleased with the way his players responded to Denmark’s high press, highlighting their commitment to defending aggressively.
“I liked the pressing a lot, and the way the team believes in defensive pressure,” he added. “Playing like that is very complicated.”
When asked whether he felt the squad was fully behind him, Jesus rejected the suggestion that he had the players under his control. Instead, he said they had chosen to trust his methods.
“I do not have a group in my grip,” he said. “I have a group that believes in the coach’s idea. They believe in my ideas, and because they have such great individual quality, things become easier.”
He then added: “If that means I have a group in my grip, then yes, I do, because they are moving forward hand in hand with me and my ideas.”
Ronaldo controversy
The questions followed a turbulent few days for Portugal after Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, left the national-team camp before the Denmark match.
He was reportedly angry after not playing against Norway, but Jesus declined to discuss what might happen next.
“After the next match, we will see what happens,” Jesus said. “Until then, I have to remain focused on the next game, just as I was focused on today’s match.”
Asked whether the situation had made it difficult to concentrate, Jesus said his attention remained fixed on his managerial responsibilities.
“It is not difficult for me to focus,” he said. “Do you know what is difficult for me? Not understanding what is happening inside. Not knowing how to coach my players. That is what is difficult for me. The rest… zero.”
Jesus concluded by insisting that the controversy had not damaged the squad’s togetherness.
“What matters is what we have to do,” he said. “The things that happen do not divide the group. They did not divide us and they will not divide us.”
