Jorge Jesus: 'I have no regrets' over leaving Flamengo | OneFootball

Flamengo and Benfica supporters around the world were stunned on Tuesday when Greece Super League runners-up PAOK upset Jorge Jesus and Benfica 2-1 in the third round of Champions League qualifying.

PAOK will now go head-to-head with Krasnodar for a place in the Champions League group stage.

When asked if Jesus has regretted his decision to leave Flamengo to come back home, he answered with a resounding no.

“Football is made of risky decisions. I have no regrets and it did not cross my mind.

“I am increasingly motivated by the fact that we did not get past the first round of qualifying.

“When I left Brazil, I knew that we would have a difficult task, but that we would make a good team. Benfica will build a strong team with a lot of quality.”

The 66-year-old Jesus also responded to the outpouring of Flamengo fans who laughed over Benfica’s upset, claiming the supporters want Benfica to fail in order for him to return.

“Hate? You’re wrong, it’s love. There were 50 million who loved me. There were 70,000 people shouting my name every game.

“That is why I believe that Flamengo fans want Benfica to lose for a reason, and I know which one it is.”

Benfica will now enter the Europa League group stage in Pot 1 along with Arsenal, Roma, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen, and Villarreal, amongst others.