Jorge Jesus expresses confidence in Portugal's favoritism in the Nations League

Despite Cristiano Ronaldo's absence, the Portuguese team, led by Jorge Jesus, is gathering again to finalize work on Nations League Group A4. The goal of the remaining two matches remains unchanged—to win.

Bernardo Silva has taken on the role of captain and believes that the team has come close to achieving great heights thanks to the new coach. The coach reacted to the favoritism placed on the national team quite calmly.

This coming Saturday, which will be the first match after Cristiano Ronaldo announced his departure from the national team, the former captain will be honored. Jorge Jesus called the idea of remembering the role and career of 'legend' Cristiano Ronaldo 'brilliant,' although he did not disclose whether the player from Al-Nassr would be present at the stadium.

In CR7's absence, Bernardo Silva holds the top position among captains. The Real Madrid player expressed pride in his new role in the Portuguese camp, emphasizing that 'the job of a captain is never the work of one person,' and called for team spirit.

Although Cristiano Ronaldo's departure marks a 'sad' moment, Bernardo Silva hopes it is the beginning of a new chapter that will allow him to redeem the 'failures' in recent competitions through new achievements. He assured at a press conference that he will always do everything possible to earn a place in the squad 'in any position.'

Younger players and debutants in the squad assembled by Jorge Jesus will participate in the fight for the common goal. The coach explained his choice as preparation for the future and stated that he has already made all decisions regarding the lineup for tomorrow's match. More experienced players, in turn, must instill in the new talents the 'culture of work and responsibility in the camp,' according to Bernardo Silva.

Defender Alberto Costa, who was recently called up to the Portuguese national team, expressed his desire to take advantage of any chance given to him during the Nations League matches, stating he wants to 'grasp the opportunity with all his might.'

Costa declared that he would feel fulfilled to be part of the national team and that his focus now is to learn and capitalize on the moment if an opening arises for him.

This young 23-year-old player joins the Portugal squad shortly after Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international duty, ending more than two decades wearing the Portuguese jersey. Costa admitted feeling great regret about not being able to play alongside Cristiano, saying he would like to share the locker room with him.

The defender also made sure to thank his coach at FC Porto, Francesco Farioli, for the good run he is having in his career. Costa, who was developed at Vitória de Guimarães, concluded that his goal is to maintain good performance and be called up more frequently.

The national team is training at 5:00 PM at Cidade do Futebol, with the first fifteen minutes open to the press. Portugal will face Denmark in Braga this Saturday and will visit Cardiff on November 17th to face Wales.

The team has already secured a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals and is close to securing first place in Group A4, needing only one more point in the final two rounds. The match at the Braga Municipal Stadium is already sold out.

These will be the first games since Cristiano Ronaldo officially stepped away from the national team after 23 years, accumulating 234 matches and 146 goals for the 'Quinas'. Currently, Portugal leads the group with 12 points after the first four rounds, followed by Denmark with six points. Wales and Norway have three points combined, keeping the race for the second qualification spot open.

The national coach, Jorge Jesus, published the list of 28 players called up to represent Portugal in the next two group stage matches of the Nations League, which will be played against Denmark and Wales.

The national team features several names in different tactical positions. In goal, Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, and Samuel Soares were chosen.

In the defensive line, the call-up includes Diogo Dalot, Alberto Costa, Ruben Dias, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, António Silva, João Cancelo, and Nuno Tavares.

The midfield is reinforced by João Palhinha, Ruben Neves, Mateus Fernandes, Vitinha, João Neves, Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, Francisco Trincão, and Bruno Fernandes.

The listed forwards are Carlos Forbs, João Félix, Rafael Leão, Geovany Quenda, Rodrigo Mora, Gonçalo Ramos, Fábio Silva, and Gustavo Varela.