Jorge Jesus threatened with dismissal if he does not apologize
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
According to Carlos Padrao, an advisor to Cristiano Ronaldo called Jorge Jesus' entourage to demand a public apology, under penalty of seeing the Portuguese coach fired. The conflict follows broken promises around the management of CR7's playing time.
Why it matters
The conflict between Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus could have significant repercussions for the Portugal national team, especially ahead of the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. Managing Ronaldo's playing time is crucial to his morale and performance, which could influence the team's path in this competition. Public disagreement could also affect team dynamics as they prepare to face important opponents.
Context
Cristiano Ronaldo, emblematic figure of Portuguese football, is at the center of a conflict with his coach Jorge Jesus concerning his management on the field. The dispute, linked to broken promises about his playing time, could influence not only his international career but also the morale of the Portugal national team in the UEFA Nations League.
Key points
- Jorge Jesus threatened with dismissal if he does not apologize.
- According to Carlos Padrao, an advisor to Cristiano Ronaldo called Jorge Jesus' entourage to demand a public apology, under penalty of seeing the Portuguese coach fired.
- HLV Jorge Jesus is the father of Ronaldo.
According to Padrao, Craveiro – former vice-president and general director of the Portuguese Federation (FPF) who became strategic advisor at CR7 SA – would not have called Jorge Jesus directly but would have passed the message via a member of his staff. “He called someone from Jesus' team and said that if the coach did not apologize publicly at the start of the press conference, he would be fired,” Padrao reports, referring to pressure intended to force a public apology.
The dispute has its origins in the management of Ronaldo's playing time during the last international windows. During the Portugal–Norway match in the Nations League, Ronaldo warmed up for around 25 minutes but was not used. According to English journalist Piers Morgan, Jorge Jesus would have previously agreed with Ronaldo on a rotation plan – start and full match against Wales, rest in certain other matches – then would have apologized to the player and the president of the FPF Pedro Proença, promising to clarify the situation publicly.
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Padrao assures that Ronaldo's entourage even prepared a text that Jesus had to read at a press conference to apologize. The coach, according to his friend, did not give in: he recognized an error and explained his decision, the progress of the match and the pressure he was under, but did not present a formal apology. “Jorge told me he didn't apologize to anyone,” Padrao reports, emphasizing the difference between admitting a mistake and publicly apologizing.
The coach's friend adds that the situation strongly affects Jesus emotionally. The two men had already rubbed shoulders at Al Nassr, the club with which they won the Saudi championship together, and Jesus would have played a key role in convincing Ronaldo not to end his international career after the 2026 World Cup, according to Padrao.
Questions also emerge about the presence of Simao Coutinho, sporting director of Al Nassr, at the Portuguese team hotel and during meetings linked to the selection. Padrao evokes the past proximity between Jesus and Ronaldo to further explain the coach's pain in the face of these tensions. Finally, the role of Tiago Craveiro, now in the professional entourage of CR7, is highlighted as a central element of this crisis of confidence between the captain and his coach.
The rest
If Jorge Jesus does not issue a public apology, he could face dismissal, which would create instability within the national team. The next press conferences and the coach's decisions will be closely scrutinized, especially before the match against Denmark in the Nations League. The situation could also prompt Portuguese FA leaders to reassess the team's direction as the next stages of the competition approach.
Frequently asked questions
What happened between Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal manager Jorge Jesus have been at odds over the management of Ronaldo's playing time, leading to tensions and a threat of dismissal for Jesus if he did not publicly apologize.
Who confirmed the threat of dismissal against Jorge Jesus?
Carlos Padrao, close friend and former goalkeeper of Jorge Jesus,
confirmed that Ronaldo's entourage threatened Jesus with dismissal if he did not publicly apologize.
Why is this situation happening now?
The situation emerged after Ronaldo was not used in the Portugal–Norway match in the Nations League, despite prior agreement on his playing time.
What are the possible consequences for Jorge Jesus?
Jorge Jesus could be fired if he does not publicly apologize, as Ronaldo's entourage has threatened.
What changes were requested by Ronaldo's entourage?
Ronaldo's entourage asked Jorge Jesus to present a public apology at a press conference, with a text prepared for this purpose.