Manager Jorge Jesus has described his tenure at Brazilian club Flamengo as the finest period of his managerial career, characterizing the spell as a historic milestone both athletically and sentimentally. In an interview reported by ESPN, the Portuguese coach reflected on his time in South America, following previous public statements detailing his affection for the club.
Jorge Jesus Calls Flamengo the Biggest Club He Managed
The sentiment matches comments published in March, when Jesus wrote in his column for the Portuguese newspaper Record that Flamengo was the largest club he had ever managed. That connection has remained central to how he views his professional achievements, specifically pointing to the late-game victory in the 2019 Copa Libertadores final as his career highlight.
During the Portugal Football Summit held in October, Jesus identified that specific match as the source of his greatest happiness in football. He recalled that his side trailed 2-1 at the 89th minute before scoring twice in two minutes to secure the trophy.
Past Resistance and Internal Friction Over a Return
Despite his fondness for the club, Jesus previously pushed back against speculation regarding a second stint in Brazil. In 2022, when asked by a reporter from the Portuguese broadcaster SIC Notícias if he would manage Flamengo again, Jesus answered directly that he would not return to Brazil.
The mere possibility of his return has previously caused friction within the Rio de Janeiro club. In May 2022, reports from UOL indicated that Jesus expressed a desire to return while the team was under the direction of his fellow countryman, Paulo Sousa. That public flirtation was poorly received by the club’s then-director of football, Marcos Braz. Paulo Sousa subsequently addressed reporters in a press conference to calm tensions, offering wishes of peace, health, and success to Jesus.
Jorge Jesus calls managing Flamengo his career highlight
What did Jorge Jesus say about Flamengo?
Jorge Jesus stated that managing Flamengo was the best period of his club coaching career and called it the biggest club he ever managed, highlighting the 2019 Libertadores victory as his most emotional title.
When did Jorge Jesus win the Copa Libertadores with Flamengo?
Jesus won the Copa Libertadores in 2019, securing the championship with two goals in the final minutes of the match.
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