Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has made it clear that Cristiano Ronaldo will not determine his own playing time, insisting that the final decision over team selection rests with him.
Jesus made the comments ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League encounter with Denmark in Copenhagen, amid growing attention surrounding Ronaldo’s omission from the team’s recent 2–1 victory over Norway.
The coach said he had already informed Ronaldo that the 41-year-old forward would not start either the Norway or Denmark matches. Jesus explained that the decision was based on his assessment of Ronaldo’s physical condition and the demands of playing several matches within a short period.
Jesus previously worked with Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia and said he was familiar with managing the striker’s workload during congested periods.
Although Ronaldo was available for the match against Norway, he remained on the bench throughout the game. Jesus acknowledged that he had considered bringing him on but ultimately decided against making the substitution.
The Portugal coach also admitted that allowing Ronaldo to warm up for an extended period without eventually introducing him was a mistake.
Jesus said he understood that Ronaldo could be disappointed by the situation but maintained that the coach must have the authority to make decisions based on what he believes is best for the team.
He stressed that Ronaldo’s reputation and achievements would not give him special authority over tactical decisions.
Jesus said the rules remained the same for every player, although he acknowledged that Ronaldo’s long career and status required coaches to take his circumstances into consideration when making decisions.
The coach also rejected suggestions that there was a serious feud between himself and the Portugal captain.
According to Jesus, the controversy surrounding Ronaldo’s omission from the Norway game generated enough public attention for the two to meet with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
Jesus said the meeting was not intended to resolve a major dispute, maintaining that there was no serious conflict between himself and Ronaldo.
Asked whether Ronaldo would feature against Denmark, Jesus declined to guarantee that the veteran striker would be introduced.
He indicated that Ronaldo’s involvement would depend on how the match developed and whether his services were required.
Gonçalo Ramos was expected to lead Portugal’s attack against Denmark if Jesus’ plans remained unchanged.
Ronaldo’s absence from Portugal’s recent match and subsequent training arrangements had generated considerable discussion, with reports of tension between the player and new head coach.
Jesus, however, maintained that the focus should remain on Portugal’s Nations League campaign rather than speculation surrounding one player.
Portugal entered the Denmark fixture with six points from two matches in Group A4, while Denmark and Norway had three points each.
The situation marks an early test of Jesus’ approach to managing Portugal’s squad and balancing Ronaldo’s experience with his tactical plans for the national team.
Source: Thepressradio.com
