Jorge Jesus Confirms Al-Nassr Exit as Pep Guardiola Links Grow: “He Should Be Proud to Replace Me”

Jorge Jesus has officially confirmed he will leave Al-Nassr after guiding the club to the Saudi Pro League title.

The Portuguese coach also addressed growing speculation linking Pep Guardiola with the managerial role and made a bold statement regarding a possible succession.

Speaking to Sport TV, Jesus rejected the idea that he should feel honoured if Guardiola replaced him.

“Proud that Guardiola could replace me? No… why? He should be proud to replace me, not the other way around.”

Guardiola Rumours Continue to Grow

Jesus’ departure immediately intensified speculation surrounding Pep Guardiola’s future.

Recent reports have suggested the Manchester City manager could consider a shock move to Saudi Arabia following a period of uncertainty around City’s long-term project.

Reflecting on his own experience, Jesus described the Al-Nassr job as one of the toughest challenges of his coaching career.

“When Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Semedo invited me, I knew this would be the most difficult challenge of my coaching career. To become champions we had to be significantly better than our rivals.”

Cristiano Ronaldo Was Key to the Move

Jesus also revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo played a decisive role in convincing him to join Al-Nassr.

The Portuguese manager explained that although he was initially offered a two-year contract, he only agreed to a one-year deal.

“When I spoke with Cristiano, they offered me a two-year contract, but I only wanted one year.”

He then made an even bigger revelation:

“I told him: ‘I’m accepting this project only because of you. Otherwise, I wouldn’t come.’”

Jesus added that he fulfilled the promise he made to Ronaldo.

“I told him: ‘I’ll help you become champions and then continue my journey.’ That is exactly what happened.”

A New Era Could Begin at Al-Nassr

Jesus leaves after delivering one of the club’s biggest achievements in recent years.

Now attention turns to two major questions:

• Will Pep Guardiola really move to Saudi Arabia?

• Who will become Cristiano Ronaldo’s next manager?

The upcoming summer could reshape not only Al-Nassr’s squad but also its entire sporting project.

Managers change. Systems evolve. Data explains the transformation.
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