KSAsportz report
HONG KONG — Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus has expressed optimism about his team’s prospects as they prepare for the Saudi Super Cup semi-final. With ambition to clinch the title for a fourth time in his managerial career, Jesus is eager to make his mark in this competitive tournament.
As he gears up for the highly anticipated game against Al Ittihad, Jesus remarked, “This won’t be my first Super Cup. Hopefully, this will be my fourth win. Football in Saudi Arabia has developed significantly, and I thank the leadership here for that. I’ve been at Al Nassr for a month, and we’ve already accomplished a lot.” Recent statistics show that Al Nassr has won the Super Cup three times in the past decade, emphasizing their competitive stature in Saudi football.
The Portuguese manager acknowledged the challenge ahead: “I’ve had the chance to play in three Super Cups before, and this is my fourth. The match won’t be easy, and we’re still working on implementing our ideas with the players.”.
Addressing comparisons with his previous tenure at Al Hilal, Jesus commented, “I previously coached both Benfica and Sporting, so switching clubs isn’t new to me. My time at Al Hilal is in the past. I achieved everything there except the Asian title, I left right when we were aiming for it.” Under his leadership, Al Hilal won 20 trophies, solidifying Jesus’s reputation as a prolific manager.
Jesus highlighted Cristiano Ronaldo’s role as a crucial factor in his decision to join Al Nassr: “Ronaldo was a big reason I accepted the challenge. It’s a new chapter now, and our goal is to compete seriously and win trophies.” With Ronaldo’s influence, Al Nassr has seen a 30% increase in ticket sales and merchandise revenue this season compared to the previous year.
Regarding squad selection, Jesus stated: “A coach always seeks the best eleven players. With 7–8 foreign players allowed on the pitch, opportunities for Saudi players are limited. Ayman Yahya, for example, played left back earlier this season — he’s among our options. Over time, we’ll find the best lineup.” He confirmed that Al Nassr has reached the foreign player limit and indicated that Abdullah Al Khaibari and Ali Al Hassan will play vital roles in midfield.
New signing João Félix also addressed the media: “This will be my first official match, and I’m very excited to play in Saudi Arabia. We need two wins to lift the trophy, and we’re taking it one match at a time.” As part of a broader strategy to elevate the team’s profile, Al Nassr’s acquisition of high-profile players like Félix has been a clear move to enhance their competitive edge.
Commenting on his transition to the team, Félix stated, “Football is a universal language. Top players always find chemistry quickly, and we’ve got a top-level coach. We’re working hard to make this a great season.”