Jorge Jesus says fatigue forces PSG role shift for Mendes

Inside the training complex in Lisbon, Jorge Jesus watched his Portugal side celebrate a narrow win over Gales in the Nations League (Liga), a match that marked the beginning of his reign. The 58‑year‑old Portuguese manager, also in charge of Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG), used the victory to outline a more vertical, objective style than the one displayed at the World Cup (Mundo).

Jesus’ early Portugal blueprint

The triumph over Gales came in the Nations League (Liga) and gave Jesus a platform to stress a faster, more direct approach. He argued that the team’s play should differ from the cautious tactics employed at the Mundial, insisting on taking the game to the opposition.

He did not shy away from confronting the philosophy of Luis Enrique at PSG. Jesus said the Spanish coach favours a more measured build‑up, whereas he prefers his players to push higher up the pitch and create chances quickly.

During Thursday’s (24) press conference, Jorge explained why left‑back Nuno Mendes, who had supplied the assist for João Félix’s goal, was withdrawn after 33 minutes of the second half for Nuno Tavares. The manager cited physical fatigue as the reason, adding, “I don’t know what happened to Nuno Mendes, I think it was fatigue. He has great acceleration and intensity, but not for 90 minutes.”

Mendes’ transformation at PSG

Mendes arrived on loan in the 2021/22 season before PSG signed him permanently for €40 million, roughly R$ 203.7 million, after his breakout Ligue 1 season. He admitted to AFP in October that he was “not very strong defensively” before Luis Enrique demanded greater defensive commitment, prompting a shift to a more balanced, tactically disciplined role.

The evolution has turned the 24‑year‑old into a key pillar in the Spanish coach’s system, contributing to PSG’s recent back‑to‑back Champions League triumphs. Jesus now relies on Mendes as his undisputed left‑back for Portugal, confident in his ability to combine speed with the required defensive work‑rate.

Portugal’s next three FIFA dates are set: a clash with Norway in Oslo on Sunday 27 at 15:45 Brasília time, a game against Denmark in Copenhagen on Thursday 1, and a home fixture versus the Vikings in Porto on 4 October at 16:45 for the fourth Nations League round.