Jorge Jesus admits Denmark outplayed Portugal in Nations League defeat

Jorge Jesus admitted Denmark were the better side as Portugal suffered a 4-1 defeat in the Nations League on Saturday.

Portugal were beaten at Braga Municipal Stadium in the fifth round of Group 4 in League A, although they have already secured qualification. They remain in contention to finish top of the group, with first place to be decided in the final round of matches.

“We were not as strong collectively as we had been in the first match against Denmark, particularly defensively,” Portugal manager Jorge Jesus said at his post-match press conference. “We were never able to stop Denmark’s attack, especially in the second half.”

Jesus had expected Portugal to produce a stronger performance and take control of the game, but said Denmark disrupted their opponents with close marking and intense pressure.

“I expected the team to be better and for us to overcome Denmark, but that did not happen,” he said. “They managed to disrupt our play through tight marking and strong pressure on our players.”

Portugal also lacked a second forward capable of operating between the lines, according to Jesus. That prevented them from gaining an advantage through the middle of the pitch, while Denmark repeatedly found space near the final defensive line.

“We did not have a second striker moving between the lines, and we could not create superiority through the centre, where Denmark had the advantage,” he said. “They reached the last line of our defence with space and surprised us with two crosses that led to goals.”

Portugal focused on securing top spot

Portugal’s final group match is against Wales on Tuesday, 17 November. Jesus said the team’s priority was now to secure first place before the quarter-finals, despite the absence of Palhinha and Ruben Dias.

“If we had already secured first place, we could have relied on other players,” he said. “Despite the absence of Palhinha and Ruben Dias, the important thing now is to guarantee top spot in the group before the quarter-finals.”

Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes were also unavailable for the match, having featured in Portugal’s previous four games under Jesus.

“I worked with them during the four matches, but they were not here this time and new players took part,” he said. “When we lose, we all lose. There were some individual errors, but it was more of a collective issue. We now have to think about the next match against Wales.”

Jesus acknowledged the effect the result could have on the squad’s confidence after four successive victories and a run of strong performances.

“Losing is never a good thing. It always affects the players’ mental state,” he said. “The team had been enjoying great confidence after four wins and playing good football.”

He also paid tribute to Denmark’s performance, saying: “We have to recognise the opponent’s superiority. Denmark did not allow us to play and managed to outplay us with the ball.”

Jesus also described a tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo as deserved in recognition of his contribution to Portugal and the national team.

“It is a deserved tribute, in recognition of everything he has given to the national team and to Portugal,” he said.