Speaking to SporTV (via Liverpool Echo), Jorge Jesus has opened up on the opportunity he had to take over as the Everton manager this season.
This comes just months after Jesus was linked with a move to Arsenal when Mikel Arteta’s job was seemingly on the line after a torrid start to the season.
The Brazilian boss has had a rollercoaster few years. He was touted as one of the best coaches on the planet while leading Flamengo to Copa Libertadores success in 2019, but just a few months ago he was being sacked by Benfica after a poor start to the season.
Jesus has long been linked with a move to England, with Arsenal interested towards the beginning of the season, but the manager says that he actually turned down the chance to come to the Premier League with Everton due to the Toffees’ slim chances of winning silverware.
What’s been said?
Jesus shared that he had the chance to manage Everton.
“When I left Benfica, I had the opportunity to coach around the world, especially in England, at Everton. I didn’t go to Everton because I’m used to winning titles and not games,” Jesus said.
Hard to attract
These comments highlight one of Everton’s biggest problems.
The Toffees are a club with huge ambitions and a club with a huge budget, but after years of underperforming, they can’t attract players or managers who have true ambitions of winning trophies.
With all due respect to Everton, which self-respecting ambitious footballer or manager is going to look at the situation at Goodison Park and jump at the opportunity to head to Merseyside?
Yes, Everton have plenty of cash to splash, but as Jesus says, they’re not a club ready to challenge at the top, and that means they won’t be able to attract the biggest names.
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