João Félix will have no distractions in Saudi Arabia, says his Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus | OneFootball

Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus has been speaking about recent signing João Félix, whom he believes will benefit from the more focused way of life in Saudi Arabia.

Félix joined Al Nassr from Chelsea last month in a deal worth an initial €30m, which could rise to a potential €50m. The move caused frustration at Benfica, who were in the hunt to bring Félix back to the club, but Jesus says he approached the player a while back and has no regrets about clinching the signing.

“As I said recently, we didn’t steal from anyone,” Jesus said earlier this week. “I didn't steal from anyone, he wasn't a Benfica player, he was a Chelsea player. He was on the market, so he could come to Al Nassr, he could go to another team, according to the conditions they offered him. I believe in his football, he has some characteristics that fit within my way of looking at the game offensively.

“I wanted to take him to Al Hilal last year too, he decided he did not to want to go, he chose to go to Chelsea. And this year I made the invitation. I knew that I was going to coach Al Nassr, I quickly made the invitation to him, and then only after a month or so, it was possible for him to come.

“And good, because I think he made the right choice, because he's in a country where he either plays or doesn't play. What do I mean? There's no other option, you just have to play, there's nothing else. Saudi Arabia is a country where there is no alcohol. There’s no fun nightlife.

“I’m not saying he wants to drink alcohol or go out at night. But there are no other distractions here. No distractions, he comes to Saudi Arabia, he only has one choice, to play and rest and be with friends and with his family, there is no other option.”

Félix & Ronaldo

Félix being paired with Ronaldo – the two have already combined well in pre-season – has led many to conclude his chances of continuing to be called up by Portugal have been helped by the move. Jesus agrees, while stating he hopes to improve Félix into the player he believes he can be based on talent.

"Felix and Ronaldo more attuned with each other? Yes,” Jesus said. “Although they already know each other, but more and more they’re playing as a combination. Félix is getting much better than in other games, physically, positionally, technically. We are all here looking for our space to be a strong team.

"I'm just getting to know him, but he's never worked with me. We have an idea of what we see. And after the player starts working directly with us, we have a different idea, right? For better or for worse. So, right now, I'm very excited about the way he approaches football, how he thinks. But I think he has the talent to do better than the level I’ve seen.

“Could it benefit Portugal? I have no doubt, do I. In fact, they’re two who are selected every time there’s internationals. And playing the two together, it becomes easier for the national team manager.”