Ronaldo Not Upset With Coach, Claims Portugal Manager
Jorge Jesus denies reports of a rift with Cristiano Ronaldo after the star forward was benched and did not celebrate with fans.
Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has stated there is no disagreement with captain Cristiano Ronaldo, addressing claims that the forward refused to train. Ronaldo did not play in Portugal's recent 2-1 victory over Norway, and he did not join his teammates in acknowledging the visiting fans after the match, instead heading directly to the locker room.
Speaking to the media ahead of Portugal's Nations League match against Denmark, Jesus explained that Ronaldo was informed before the Norway game that he would not be starting but might be used as a substitute. "Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It's nothing to make a fuss about," Jesus said, emphasizing that any player who warms up but does not play is understandably unhappy.
Jesus also refuted suggestions that Ronaldo had refused to train on Tuesday. He clarified that the player performed individual exercises focused on "mobility" and "strengthening" and was expected to train normally on Wednesday. However, reports indicated Ronaldo did not appear on the pitch with his teammates in Denmark, and Portuguese media shared footage of him leaving the stadium with support staff. His private jet was reportedly en route to Copenhagen.
Goncalo Ramos, who scored the winning goal against Norway, will again be chosen over Ronaldo for the match against Denmark, according to Jesus. "If everything goes according to plan, it will be Goncalo who plays," Jesus stated. "If I need [Ronaldo], he'll come on. If I don't need him, he won't."