Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus refused to accept that his team's chances of retaining the Saudi Roshen League title were lost after a 1-1 draw with Al-Ettifaq on Friday, in the 27th round, widening the gap with leaders Al-Ittihad to seven points.
Jesus said during a press conference following the match, which was hosted by Ego Stadium in Dammam: "We have the ability to return in the league, and we have seven rounds with 21 points. We have played tougher competitions than this season, and I do not see the team losing its ambition."
The coach stressed the importance of the AFC Champions League title for his club. He described it as "a big goal for us and for Al-Hilal fans," adding: "I won the league with the team, but the Asian Cup is a big ambition for me because I did not achieve it."
Regarding the performance of his Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, he said: "He has improved since the previous match. He was out for three months, and my mission is to prepare the player better for the upcoming matches."
The Portuguese described the confrontation with Al-Ettifaq as "strong and difficult," and believed that his team was better in the second half, acknowledging their opponent's superiority during the first half. In response to a journalist's question about the existence of negotiations to hand him the leadership of the Brazilian national team, he stated: "I do not want to comment on the subject, it is not true, and I do not want to comment on something that does not currently exist." He added, "I do not know what negotiations are being talked about regarding the Brazilian national team, and I cannot respond to something that is not on the table."
Regarding the injured players, he explained: "We are trying to get the influential players back to their levels before our next match in the Asian Championship." He stressed: "I want all the players available for the tournament. Cancelo will return during it, and Salem Al-Dawsari will be available for our next match."
In response to a journalist's question about the lack of participation of winger Khaled Al-Ghannam, he replied: "Khaled's absence or non-participation... I am responsible for it and I am the one who makes the decision."
That's a strong and focused statement from Jesus. It shows he's still fully committed to both domestic and continental success. Saying “we haven't lost our ambition in the league” is a good message to the fans and players—it keeps morale high and quiets any rumors of complacency.
And pointing out that Asia is his biggest goal? That’s bold. It puts the AFC Champions League clearly in the spotlight as the priority. Ambitious, and it sets a clear target.
Do you think his team has what it takes to go all the way in Asia this season?
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