Jorge Jesus has stated that his primary motivation for taking the managerial role at Al Nassr was to assist Cristiano Ronaldo in adding more titles to his already impressive collection. Al Nassr finds themselves two points ahead of Al Hilal as they approach their final match of the season against Damac in the Saudi Pro League.
In a statement before Thursday’s crucial match, Jorge Jesus remarked, “Upon receiving the proposition from [Al Nassr CEO José] Semedo and Cris [Cristiano Ronaldo], I accepted this challenge solely to help Cris win titles in Saudi Arabia.” He emphasized, “That was my purpose.”
Since his arrival at Al Nassr in December 2022, shortly after parting ways with Manchester United, Ronaldo has netted 100 league goals. However, he’s faced disappointment in four finals with Al Nassr, with his only title success in the Arab Club Champions Cup—an unofficial tournament—in 2023.
Jorge Jesus noted, “Every title is unique, and we deeply desire it—not just for Al Nassr as a club, but for Cris too. It is essential, especially considering his contributions to both Saudi Arabian football and Al Nassr.”
Having not secured a league title since 2019, Al Nassr appointed Jorge Jesus last summer right after he exited Al Hilal.
– Cristiano Ronaldo selected for an unprecedented sixth World Cup squad for Portugal
– Ronaldo and Al Nassr fall short in the AFC CL2 final as the wait for a trophy continues
Jorge Jesus described this season as “the most challenging project” of his career after previously guiding Al Hilal to a domestic treble during the 2023-24 season. He remarked, “I acknowledge that this has been the most demanding project I’ve encountered. My experience with the other teams, particularly in helping create a strong rival at Al Hilal for two years, made it more difficult.”
Recently, Al Nassr faced a setback with a 1-0 loss against Gamba Osaka in the AFC Asian Champions League Two final. Jorge Jesus reiterated, “From the very beginning, our primary goal has always been to become champions of Saudi Arabia. If we had to make a choice, it would always be to secure that championship. That’s the main reason we are here.”