Jorge Alberto Lobo Mendonça was born on the 26th November 1972, in the Portuguese town of Vila do Corde. He finished his playing career at the age of 17, before beginning his studies at the high school, which ended in a degree in PE and football coaching. He went on to become a PE teacher as well as a football coach in the second year of his studies. Mendonca joined the coaching staff of first division side Vitoria Setubal, where he worked as a coach for the Portuguese side. 

You began coaching at a young age.

Yes, I was was lucky to gain experience while I was still at high school. I learned a lot during that period, and perhaps the work that I carried out was more helpful than the High school degree. Actually I had already known José Gomes back then, as we were the two that began to work as coaches during that time. We became good friends as a result, and we could discuss subjects, which we could not do with the other students. I then went on to work for several first division sides following high school, and became a coach at Vitoria Setubal within a week.

Why did you choose to accept the offer from Videoton FC ?

Videoton FC have not been building on the basis of sudden ideas, but rather long term, and they have very well thought out ideas, while the targets are realistic. The club would like to develop step by step, and this is a very good thing. I also think that the close working relationship with the Puskas Academy is a good thing. I feel that the first team and the youth sides should have the same belief's and phylosophy, in terms of building, education, which are the most effective methods. This has brought great steps forward for Videoton FC and the whole of Hungarian football over the last couple of years.

What else can we find out about you?

I am married with two daughters, who are 10 and 12 years old. They will probably move to Hungary in the summer, as it is important for the family to be together, and it will help me to do even better in my work. My younger daugher, Leonora also loves football." - said Jorge Mendonça to Vidi.hu.