Jesus the Saviour?

Jay Wood 27/11/2019 47comments  |  Jump to last

This is not to lend any undue credence to the speculation in Portugal linking Jorge Jesus with Everton; rather it's to surface what is an in-depth look at the Portuguese in the vein of ToffeeWeb’s profiles of other potential managerial candidates. It was taken from the Comments section of last night’s Rumour Mill item concerning Jesus.


Some basic facts to get out of the way first. He is an exceedingly fit 65-year-old, younger than both Pellegrini and Hodgson who manage in the Premier League. He won't be keeling over on the touchline any time soon, as some flippantly believe.

He describes his English as 'beach English' and when I've heard him attempt English, it's barely comprehensible.

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As Steve Ferns says, he isn't a statue on the touchline. He is pure box office. A complete nutter. He is just as likely to kiss a player on his head for doing something well, as grab him by his shirt and shout in his face for not following orders.

In 5 months at Flamengo, the fan base has gone from asking 'Who?' and 'Why?' to DRESSING like him as lookalikes in the matchday crowd, as England supporters did with Southgate's waistcoat look at last year's World Cup. Such manager worship is not at all common. Every game, they sing for minutes on end “Ole, ole, ole, ole - Mister! Mister!” in homage to him.

He had a modest career as a player before turning his hand to management. He was a natural. He worked his way up before becoming manager at the giant Lisbon club, Benfica. In 6 seasons there, he became their most successful trophy-winning manager ever, 3 league titles (including their first back-to-back title successes in 31 years), 6 League Cups and 2 Super Cups.

He also reached two consecutive Europa League finals (they beat Juve in the semi-finals to reach one of them), dominated both games, but lost both (2-1 to Chelsea, on pens to Valencia).

Ironically, and extremely controversially, when Marco Silva left Sporting, Jesus 'crossed the park' to replace him. You can imagine how that went down with Benfica fans. Did it faze Jesus? Not at all. In his first derby game his Sporting beat his ex-club 1-0 in the Portuguese Super Cup.

As a measure of his bottle, in the first league meeting between the two clubs at Benfica's stadium after the switch, watch the following video. He DELIBERATELY prowled his technical area for the full game, not once sitting down to shelter from all the debris and abuse the Benfica fans hurled at him.

His "don't take a backward step" message translated to his team on the field: they stunned Benfica to lead 3-0 at half-time, which was also the final scoreline.

Name a Blue who would not enjoy that swagger from an Everton manager, watching his team win 3-0 at Anfield!

Some of you might recall the reason he left Sporting a couple of seasons back. The truly obnoxious club President actively encouraged Sporting Ultras to descend on the club's training ground where Jesus and a number of players were attacked and the facilities vandalised, all just days before the Portuguese Cup Final which they duly lost.

As a result of this, many very good players terminated their contracts with the club and left without Sporting collecting a fee. (Wolves were one of the big beneficiaries of this.)

Jesus spent a year in Saudi Arabia where his club were crowned champions.

The following is another video showing the intensity he brings to the game from the touchline. You first hear him berating a player on the far side of the pitch for not doing want he wants. You next see him laying down the law to our one-time target, the teenager Renier Jesus, IMMEDIATELY on pitch at the final whistle. Then 3-4 other Flamengo players stepping between Jorge Jesus and the player on the receiving end of a verbal lashing (this was in-game, during a drinks break). Protecting Gabigol from an opponent in-game. Tapping opposition players on the cheek. He is like this ALL the time.

And you know what? The players LOVE him. What player doesn't like a manager who transforms them into Champions? In that, he is similar to what some reported about the 'Howard's Way' movie, that the players said they would run through brick walls for Howard Kendall.

As for some dissing his double at the weekend – winning Flamengo's only second ever Libertadores (Latin America's Champions League equivalent) since 1981 and the time of the great Zico 38 years ago, and the Brazilian League (their first title in 10 years) – the competition is fiercer than some snobbishly presume.

It is nowhere near as high-scoring as the English Premier League as the following numbers show.

Following a poor start to this season with just 7 points from the opening 5 games, Flamengo sat 9th and were 6 points off the leaders, defending champions Palmeiras. Flamengo sacked the manager. A caretaker took charge for four games, but by game 9 Palmeiras had extended their lead over them to 8 points.

Enter Jesus just before the league shut down for a month as Brazil hosted the Copa America.

Portuguese coaches have not made an impression in Brazil but, in his first league game, Jesus saw Flamengo thump mid-table Goias 6-1. Since then, their league record is P26 W 20 D 4 L 1 Pts 64 out of a possible 78.

An 8-point deficit swung around to a 12-point title-winning advantage by game 34.

They equalled a league best of winning 8 consecutive games.

They have already equalled a league best of 81 points in a single campaign.

Their 25 wins in a single season is also a league best.

Their current goal difference of +43 is equal to the best ever recorded in the Brazilian League.

They need another 5 goals to add to their current 72 to record the most goals scored by any team in a single season.

Gabigol needs 2 more goals to his current 22 to register the highest return by a single goalscorer in a season. He has already surpassed the Flamengo club record of 21 by the legendary Zico.

All achieved in five short months under Jesus. They can improve on all of this with four games still to play.

The Fifa World Club Championship concludes mid-December. Of course he will stay on with Flamengo for the final, but then Brazilian football shuts down for a few weeks and his contract expires in May. In the months of February, March and April, there is the quirky State Championships clubs have to play. It is said Jesus has no appetite for such triviality and, as well as he has done, there has already been talk that he wants to get back to Europe.

Contrary to what Steve Ferns says, his Benfica and Flamengo teams play an exciting high-octane pressing game all over the pitch.

The source of this rumour is Portugal. They may have, as all media does, just joined the dots of different aspects of the Everton - Silva - Jesus situation and fabricated the whole thing. But it is a plausible rumour.

IF – a very big IF – there is anything in this and it comes to pass, I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss Jorge Jesus as some already have. He would absolutely demand and command respect. He would quickly get the team organized. He wants his team to play in his character: Full throttle and IN YER FRIGGING FACE!!!

And if he did come, I would bet my bottom dollar he would be pushing Brands to land him Gabigol.

This could prove to be a very interesting development indeed. Or...not!

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Reader Comments (47)

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Brent Stephens
1 Posted 27/11/2019 at 08:58:12
Well that gets the juices flowing!
Eddie Dunn
2 Posted 27/11/2019 at 09:03:01
Thanks Jay, he looks like box office...old Klopp would be put out if there was a new clown in town!

Derek Thomas
3 Posted 27/11/2019 at 09:06:13
If the board trawled TW and other sites they may have got swamped in anti Moyes, Hughes, Benitez ( depending who you believe) feelings.

But at the 'present moment' as is said; this time around, Jesus is more popular than the beatles. I feel this has more to do with perceived deficiencies and unhappiness with Silva.

Our (my) romantic side would like nothing more than for Flamenco to beat the rs in the World Club thing.

Then have (Jorge) Jesus turn up just before Christmas, have a stern word in the ears the 3 wise men, Moshiri, Kenwright and Brands about how its going to go dow

Move on to USMFF and...as somebody said weeks ago, kick collective arse and say...'I don't know what's been going on before - but all that shit stops NOW !

Thrash Burnley on the 27th, then Newcastle and see off whoever we get in the 3rd round of the cup.

To quote James Taylor...
Won't you look down upon me, jesus
You've got to help me make a stand
You've just got to see me through another day
My body's aching and my time is at hand
And I won't make it any other way.

And we'll still end up with Moyes.

Alan McGuffog
4 Posted 27/11/2019 at 09:10:51
He may be happy and expressive now but two weeks at Finch Farm would have him in therapy and living on anti depressives
Jerome Shields
5 Posted 27/11/2019 at 09:19:18
Alan#4
That is about right.
Steve Ferns
6 Posted 27/11/2019 at 09:23:16
Great stuff from Jay. I did paste this on the other thread before Jay wrote his article:

"And whilst his football was not great at sporting, he played to the strengths of the players he had, and I'm sure we all remember Angel di Maria destroying us with Benfica when Jorge was in the dugout and they played sensational football.

And yes, If you read this Jay, it does pain me to say that.“

No idea about how easy on the eye Flamengo are but I watched the highlights of the Libatadores final and they weren’t pretty, leaving it late. But Man Utd won many a final under fergie that they did not deserve and it would be wrong to judge his style of play on any of those games, other than to note the Man Utd never say die attitude.

The way Jesus changed sporting from an attractive team to a functional one can be seen as a positive. What happened was the president of Sporting decided to go to war with Jorge Mendes, the agent. And so got rid of some of his players and mendes took the rest out. sporting lost a lot of their best players over the three years or so that Jesus was there. He adapted without any real dip in position or points despite having inferior players. He completely changed the style of play and he turned Bas Dost into a goal machine. Jay highlighted on another thread that his touches to goals ratio is insane. The guy would walk around and do nothing for 30 minutes and then tap home an easy chance in the box. His goal to game ratio was more or less 1:1. He would never touch the ball other than to score, would play no part in the build up, but yet he was the match winner time and again. He owes Jesus a lot for maximising the little talent he has.

I’m not a fan of Jorge Jesus, but I don’t deny his record of achievements or his ability to adapt. And as Jay says he would be pure box office. But I suspect he’d be banned from the touchline more in this country as some of his antics will not be tolerated.

The other concern I would raise is that the he is very stubborn and it is his way or no way. He doesn’t give a shit what the fans think if they disagree with him. And there was something of a Martinez element to his teams as they often play far too open, which might be why he went a lot more defensive at Sporting.

Jack Convery
7 Posted 27/11/2019 at 09:24:55
We need someone like him for sure because I need to come off these anti depressants I'm on. I want our next manager to run on the pitch at Mordor with joke false teeth gleaming and jump all over the guy in blue who has just scored the winner. Then tell the press he apologised to Klopp when he actually didn't - not much to ask is it ?
Amit Vithlani
8 Posted 27/11/2019 at 09:33:29
Thanks Jay. Only one issue I see: would "beach English" work to fully convey his messages?

He'd need a translator I assume.

I suppose Bielsa is getting on fine at Leeds so it could work.

But Emery, Juande Ramos, Christian Gross - plenty of examples of failures of foreign coaches when they are not fully fluent.

Sam Hoare
9 Posted 27/11/2019 at 09:59:38
Thanks for this Jay, I was going to ask your opinion on him anyway. His record looks very decent and his time at benfica was especially impressive.

When you add to the bargain the possibility of him bringing a certain Brazilian striker who we are both fans of it begins to look like quite an enticing prospect! I wonder if there is any truth at all in the rumour?

Funnily enough one of my hopes is for Gallardo, his Libatadores opponent. I watched a bit of that match and in my opinion River were somewhat robbed. I think Gallardo has them playing some great football but then they are less consistent in the league than Flamengo (easier league?).

Jesus would certainly bring some fireworks. Of course it could go badly wrong but I suspect Evertonians would enjoy his passion. The language could be an issue but then half our first team speak portuguese! It would seem the timing could be quite good if he's available in the New year.

Steve Ferns
10 Posted 27/11/2019 at 10:06:14
Sam, on the subject of languages, did you know Rafa Benitez can speak Spanish, Portuguese, English, Italian, and French? I think that covers every single one of our players and there is something to be said for making sure nothing is lost in translation. He gave an interview where he said it takes him 5 months him around five months to pick up a new language as long as it is based on Latin (ie western European Languages).
Tony Abrahams
11 Posted 27/11/2019 at 10:06:20
If he needs a translator Amit, don’t tell anyone Steve Fearns speaks Portuguese? because Imagine the players looking at each other thinking we thought Marco had gone! That’s if you do speak the lingo Steve!!
Tony Hill
12 Posted 27/11/2019 at 10:07:51
I would certainly be concerned about the language problems. Much more important for a manager than players. Pochettino may have been an exception at Southampton but I think I read somewhere that his English was better than he let on.

I can't see this one happening but many thanks for the information, Jay.

Steve Ferns
13 Posted 27/11/2019 at 10:12:10
Tony, if you need drinks ordering at a bar in the Algarve, I'm your man. I'd consider myself capable of "Beach Portuguese"!
Tony Abrahams
14 Posted 27/11/2019 at 10:13:42
That’s the answer I was looking for Steve!
Sam Hoare
15 Posted 27/11/2019 at 10:17:38
Steve, I didn't know that but i'm not surprised. I'd be pretty happy if he turned out to be our man. Wouldn't be my first choice but he's won trophies almost everywhere he's been. In terms of reliable, experienced coaches he's certainly a step up on the likes of Moyes and Hughes. Could well see him ending up at West Ham (the people saying we should have gone for Pellegrini over Silva have piped down!).
Steve Ferns
16 Posted 27/11/2019 at 10:18:21
Tony H, I can't see it myself. I don't really like Jorge Jesus, but Mr Wood puts forward a very compelling case.

Jesus would only be available after the World Club Cup, by which time it is Christmas (cue Jesus at Christmas jokes). But if we keep Silva in place until then, there might be more attractive candidates, or Silva might have turned things around enough to see out the season, when we can get a manager for the long term.

Note Arteta cannot leave until the summer, either, according to Guardiola yesterday.

Steve Ferns
17 Posted 27/11/2019 at 10:22:55
Sam, the case for Benitez is a compelling one. Like yourself, he'd be well down my list. I don't think he's going to put us top 6. I think the football would be dull. But he is the least likely of all the names linked to go wrong. Benitez' worst is more likely to be better than anyone else's worst, if you understand what I mean. And that would appeal to Moshiri. On the issue of money, Benitez might be persuaded to work on a tight budget under Brands. He did so under Mike Ashley without much complaint.
Daniel A Johnson
18 Posted 27/11/2019 at 10:29:58
Cheers for this Jay.

Anyone have any idea how likely this will come to pass?

Would be interesting to see what happens if Silva pulls some rabbits out of hats in the next few fixtures.

Raymond Fox
19 Posted 27/11/2019 at 10:42:27
I think we need the bible Jesus not this guy.
Rick Tarleton
20 Posted 27/11/2019 at 10:43:48
I think Morgan Schneiderlin might change his attitude.
Steve Ferns
21 Posted 27/11/2019 at 10:47:15
I forgot to mention that Jorge Jesus gave Andre Gomes his debut. Jorge left Benfica for Sporting the same summer that Gomes was sold to Valencia. Jesus really had Gomes firing and should know Andre's game inside out. Assuming our beautifully coiffured midfielder makes the full recovery we all wish for him.
Jerome Shields
22 Posted 27/11/2019 at 12:44:03
It's got to the stage that I would take a Nutter rather than Moyes.
Iain Latchford
23 Posted 27/11/2019 at 13:01:07
This sounds like adding another lunatic to an already overcrowded asylum.

Could be a success or an absolute car crash. No doubt it would be a massive gamble. I do like a gamble however, despite being absolutely awful at it. I hope Moshiri is better!

Pat Kelly
24 Posted 27/11/2019 at 13:11:25
So his English may not be great. That didn't stop Moyes.
Brian Williams
25 Posted 27/11/2019 at 16:14:40
We need: Recovery, stability, THEN maybe lunacy! Change the order and we could be shoulder deep in shit street instead of the knee deep level we're in now.
Mike Gaynes
26 Posted 27/11/2019 at 16:14:59
Well, we'd never be bored with this guy, that's for sure.
Bobby Mallon
27 Posted 27/11/2019 at 16:17:00
Pat Kelly @ 24 brilliant
Bobby Mallon
28 Posted 27/11/2019 at 16:19:06
Please not f/ing Moyes
Paul Cherrington
29 Posted 27/11/2019 at 16:30:02
I'm not saying he's not a decent manager but it's too much of a risk for me at the moment. We need someone who knows the Premier League, knows how to steady the ship, and knows how to get us defending properly.

An unknown quantity in Premier League terms from South American football is not the answer right now – especially if he is yet another manager who puts all the focus on attacking and expects the defensive side of things to magically happen. Get the basics right first and then try to play – not sure if this guy could do that.

Yes, it would be a laugh to watch his antics but we could be laughing all the way to the Championship. It's one thing doing well in the Portuguese or South American leagues – the Premier League is a big step up compared to them.

Clive Rogers
30 Posted 27/11/2019 at 16:43:04
Martinez’s English was phenomenal. That was it really, that one word while Silva’s is mainly in that moment.
Mark Guglielmo
31 Posted 27/11/2019 at 17:50:49
In by Christmas, gone by Easter.

*waits*

Adrian evans
32 Posted 27/11/2019 at 18:22:23
Does Jesus know his way round the Championship??? By the time he gets here, has a couple of weeks working with our squad, we are going to be on at best 17 points with 19 games played after we play Man City away.

In the real world, would he accept going down to championship?? 17 points, 19 played.

In the January window, we sign Harry Kane, Sterling, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Van Dijk, we stay up... easy! Anyone see us getting 25 points from the remaing games after Man City?

It could be too late, not that we wouldn't battle with the right manager... So Rafa. Moyes on Sunday. At least he will know what he's got to work with. In the January window, proven goalscorer, a midfied boss, a leader on the field please.

I dont really want Moyes, but respect him, what he did for us. Give him four years to stabilise the ship with Cahill as his No 2.

Mark Guglielmo
33 Posted 27/11/2019 at 19:17:21
Adrian, assuming we don't get a single point out of the next 6 games (if I read your math properly) and have 17pts midway through the season, I am someone who thinks that yes, we can get 25 pts from the remaining 19 games. Call me bananas! I'm also not sure 42 pts will even be required to avoid relegation this year...
Peter Warren
34 Posted 27/11/2019 at 20:25:30
Convinced me sign him up
Paul Birmingham
35 Posted 27/11/2019 at 22:20:41
I watched the final last Saturday and enjoyed the game.

Charismatic and passionate, this lad suggests that he is a man manager and from what Steve’s said, he won’t take lack lustre or mediocrity.

But if proven then rumours are true, then perhaps Marcel is using some method to help secure a proven manager.

Ancellotti, I’d like but being realistic, I’d take Rafa as a step up, but I expect that whoever gets the job, will likely cause stir and for sure will not please all.

But the club must start progressing and stop the rot..

Past is fine but the club must build a future that successful and learn from past mistakes.

Will the board take stock and learn?

Andrew James
36 Posted 27/11/2019 at 22:40:48
Firstly, Jay thanks for the article and remarks plus intel.

I think we underestimate the South American leagues just because their best players end up in Europe.

I too watched the final on Saturday and wanted River Plate to win. Somehow though Flamengo kept at it and had a sublime 5 minutes. You have to admire that self-belief which must have something to do with the coach.

But then I look at the long CV of Jesus and wonder? He's rarely settled down at many clubs. Perhaps that's the life of a continental European coach but I get twitchy about such a turnover as I do with Bielsa.

Mind you, our current coach is racking up the numbers as is our former one who is being suggested for the job.

Really at a loss as to what we can do, especially if we get nothing from the next 3 games.

Stephen Davies
37 Posted 27/11/2019 at 22:57:02
According to a sports journalist, the concensus in Brazil is that Jesus wants a bigger club than Everton as he wants to win titles.

Moyes it is then.

Bob Parrington
38 Posted 28/11/2019 at 10:59:32
OKAY JAY, You've convinced me!!!!
Derek Knox
39 Posted 28/11/2019 at 12:14:58
I must admit too that this guy, although representing somewhat of a risk, but so does any appointment in reality, is growing on me a bit like Roses Chocolates.

Like someone Mike G, I think, said it would never be boring with this guy, and just maybe the diversion with the possibility of success we need. That is if we can't get either Pochettino or Arteta/Cahill combo.

Steve Ferns
40 Posted 28/11/2019 at 12:29:14
Derek, we can't get Pochettino. All the money in the world won't bring him here, and certainly not now. Pochettino is off on holiday for a few months and then will sit with his feet up watching Man Utd games and wait for the phone to ring. He will be Man Utd manager by the start of next season for sure. Those who make such decisions will have told him that as soon as he got sacked.

Arteta is not leaving City before the summer. Guardiola said so in his press-conference. Man City are very worried that he might leave and that Guardiola will be off the summer after next, and whilst they have Gio Van Bronckhorst currently learning off Gurdiola, the rumours are that City want Arteta to stay as he is the preferred candidate to keep the Guardiola system going. Not so sure about that myself, surely money bags City can go hire an experienced coach, and secondly why not let Arteta go for 18 months or so and learn his trade and then hire him back if he's any good?

Max Allegri is rumoured to have turned down Arsenal, so no chance for us then, and Arsenal are going to get Ljunberg in instead! Some bonkers stuff coming out on twitter today.

Jer Kiernan
41 Posted 29/11/2019 at 10:49:11
Entertaining ? maybe, a success in the PL I highly doubt it, similar to "big" Phil Scholari, also didnt that manager we are about to fire have great success in Portugal also?

Heres one for you lets appoint a young manager without a fancy foreign name who has had sustained success in the PL ( The competition in which we actually compete ) ??? Anybody, EDDIES THE MAN

I can only assume this suggestion and some others I have now read, have come from the "power vacuum" left by an indecisive board. Isnt there enough dancing buffoonery in the dugout across stanley park ?

Ray Jacques
43 Posted 29/11/2019 at 15:09:51
Interesting forum and comments but Moyes will be presented as the prodigal son, true blue, people's manager a couple of days after our annual defeat in the derby.
Steve Ferns
44 Posted 29/11/2019 at 15:12:14
Ray, don't be so sure. There's an article on the official Everton site with comments attributed to Brands. It's confirmed Richarlison has signed a new deal but it does not say how long for. Brands' comments lead me to believe that he is backing Silva, at least for now.

Edit: 5 year deal until 2024.

Ray Jacques
45 Posted 29/11/2019 at 15:15:51
Steve, theyve finally knocked the hope out of me. I have this recurring nightmare!!
Jer Kiernan
46 Posted 29/11/2019 at 18:47:45
Steve @44,

That is good news on Richarlison. I feel he has a bright future in the game and can be a world star (hopefully with us).

Dave Lynch
47 Posted 30/11/2019 at 04:50:14
There would be no knives to a gunfight with this fellas.
He would take a Sherman tank.
Simon Dalzell
48 Posted 04/12/2019 at 19:20:01
No. Sorry Jay. My worry is that every team he has managed cannot deal with CROSSES +

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