Jorge Jesus’ Lisbon loyalties switch in dramatic Primeira Liga plot

Successful Benfica coach Jorge Jesus recently guided the Portuguese club to their second consecutive Primeira League title triumph, but in a dramatic switch in Lisbon loyalties, the experienced boss is set for a move crosstown to join bitter rivals Sporting.

In what will be a sensational managerial move in Portugal’s top tier division, Jesus could spark a Benfica backlash, with an ongoing dispute over his salary with the champions being cited as the reason for such a high-profile switch.

Jesus has managed Benfica since 2009, but it is believed the club’s hierarchy were trying to negotiate a pay-cut in his wages, which were previously the highest for any coach in the country (Portugal are 25/1 with Coral to win Euro 2016). However, holding a personal connection with Sporting Lisbon, where his father played in the 1940s, the controversial manager is set to cause further frictions amongst Portugal’s fiercest rivals.

Sporting have suffered a domestic decline in the last decade, winning one league title since 2000, and a lack of silverware is the potential deal-breaker, with current Lisbon coach Marco Silva recently leading the Lions to the Portuguese Cup – their first trophy in seven years.

The Lions had to stage a remarkable revival in order to claim their recent cup success, having gone 2-0 down at half-time and seeing Cedric Soares sent off after just 15 minutes, they netted twice late on, before triumphing 3-1 on penalties.