Angelo says Jorge Jesus’ positional change has transformed his career after Al Nassr win

Al Nassr midfielder Angelo has praised former manager Jorge Jesus, saying the Portuguese coach changed his life and “everything” about his career by moving him from the right wing into central midfield.

Angelo made a decisive contribution as Al Nassr beat hosts Al Riyadh 4-0 in the second round of the Roshn Saudi League on Friday. The match was played at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in the Saudi capital.

The Brazilian created Al Nassr’s opening goal for Saudi Arabia defender Abdulelah Al-Amri before scoring the second himself, delivering an outstanding performance in midfield.

Speaking to Thmanyah channels after the final whistle, Angelo said the result was the product of a collective effort rather than an individual display.

“First and foremost, I would like to say Alhamdulillah for everything, but I think this result belongs to the whole group,” he said.

“I am very proud of our group because we gave everything we had on the pitch and implemented our style and our organisation. That is our source of strength, and that is why we are the champions. That is what matters.”

Angelo urged Al Nassr to maintain their momentum despite the emphatic victory coming early in the campaign.

“Let us continue moving forward, because we are still at the beginning,” he added. “So I am happy and proud of the team, and the important thing is that we keep moving forward.”

The 20-year-old reserved his strongest praise for Jesus, who managed Al Nassr last season. Jesus was the first coach to move Angelo into midfield after previously using him as a right winger, a decision that helped the Brazilian’s performances improve significantly.

“Jorge Jesus changed my position, and I am very grateful to him because he changed my life and changed everything in my career,” Angelo said.

“Now I can show my abilities more. I will continue in this way, and I am very happy and feel comfortable.”

Jesus’ positional adjustment has allowed Angelo to operate in a more central role, where he was influential against Al Riyadh. His assist for Al-Amri’s opener was followed by a goal of his own as Al Nassr established control of the game.

The result gives Al Nassr a strong start to their second-round campaign, while Angelo’s display underlined the benefits of the role he has adopted since Jesus moved him away from the wing.

The midfielder repeated his appreciation for the former Al Nassr manager when speaking to Thmanyah reporter Musaed Al-Mahmoud, saying: “I am grateful to Jesus because he changed my life by changing my position, and I feel comfortable in this position.”