Flamengo extended their lead at the top of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A to eight points on Thursday night with a 3-1 victory over Atletico Mineiro at the Maracanã Stadium.
Goals from Willian Arão, Vitinho and Reinier gave the home side all three points and allowed Jesus’ men to capitalise on Palmeiras’ defeat to fellow title contenders Santos the previous evening. Flamengo now lead the standings by eight points with 14 matches remaining of the campaign, which ends in December.
The result saw Jesus become the foreign manager with the longest spell at the Brasileirão summit, but for the veteran Portuguese the trivia was of little significance when discussing matters during his post-match interviews. “This is not important to me, the most important thing is to continue to win,” he said.
“We have a goal which is to reach the end of the championship in first place, with many or few points, it does not matter.”
Praise for the 65-year-old boss continues to dominate discussion in Rio de Janeiro and goalscorers Arão and Vitinho are both cited as examples of players the former Braga, Benfica and Sporting coach has developed during his brief time with the club. “When I arrived here there was an ugly duckling in the team and that was Arão. Today he is the idol of the fans. So let's keep looking at Flamengo as a whole, not for the coach or for player A or B, but for what is most important, which is Flamengo," Jesus asserted.
Vitinho, who registered two assists as well as a goal, was of particular interest to local media. “Of course when playing for Flamengo or even training with Flamengo you have to know how to live with the pressure,” Jesus said. “This is very important information. You cannot feel that the shirt is heavy.
“Not all have the same emotional capacity. Vitinho was decisive not only for the assist or the excellent goal. He is a player who, if not feeling cherished, has difficulty living with this situation. That is why the ovation of the fans was important.”
Making Portugal proud
The methods used by Jesus and the style of play practised by his side has gripped Brazilian football, with many now regarding Flamengo as part of a revolution of the game in the country. Indeed 
Jesus has even been suggested as a future coach of the national team.
“It feels like the team, which has been working with me for three months, has been with me for three years,” Jesus said. “This is easy because of the quality of players. I think I will leave a legacy not only in Flamengo, but in Brazilian football. The way we play is totally different from all teams. I don't say it's better or worse, but it's mine. Let's leave many of the ideas we brought. We are proud of our work.
"Of course I feel the affection. Who doesn't like to be cherished and recognised for his work? All of us, but I don't delude myself. I’ve been a coach for 30 years and I know how cruel this job can be.”
The story of Jesus in Brazil has been covered heavily in the Portuguese media since he arrived in South America early in the summer. For the Amadora native, the sense that his performance is bringing pride to those back home is a source of great joy.
"As a Portuguese, I am very proud to feel that at this moment Flamengo is spoken of every day on Portuguese televisions. In Portugal, there is a very big rivalry between Benfica and Sporting. I trained them both and I am happy to feel that the fans of both are proud of the work that we are doing here. Greater satisfaction than this does not exist, this is what I work for. To value Flamengo first, then Brazilian football and third my country, my countrymen who are proud of the work I'm doing.”
By Sean Gillen
