Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has explained why Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of the team’s recent Nations League matches, dismissing suggestions that the decision caused a disagreement between them.
Jesus addressed the issue during a press conference in Copenhagen ahead of Portugal’s meeting with Denmark, saying Ronaldo’s absence was part of an arrangement they had discussed beforehand.
According to the coach, he had informed Ronaldo that he would not play in Portugal’s matches against Norway and Denmark because of plans to manage his physical condition.
Jesus, who previously worked with Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, said he understood the demands placed on the forward, particularly when matches are played within a short period.
He explained that although he considered bringing Ronaldo into Portugal’s victory over Norway, the circumstances of the match eventually convinced him not to make the substitution.
Ronaldo
Ronaldo warmed up during the game but remained on the bench until the final whistle. Jesus acknowledged that the forward would naturally have been disappointed after preparing to enter the match without getting the opportunity to play.
However, the coach insisted that the situation should not be mistaken for a dispute, adding that Ronaldo had accepted his decisions before the matches.
Jesus also rejected reports that the Portugal captain had refused to train. He explained that Ronaldo completed gym work, mobility exercises and strength training as part of the team’s approach to managing players’ physical condition.
The coach further revealed that he had taken a similar approach with Bruno Fernandes, whom he also advised to rest after noticing that the midfielder was not performing at his usual level.
Jesus maintained that every player must follow the same rules, regardless of reputation or career achievements. He stressed that selecting the team and deciding when to make substitutions remained his responsibility.
He also disclosed that Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença had spoken with him about the reports, but insisted that the matter had already been addressed and that there was no problem between him and Ronaldo.
Despite the coach’s explanation, the situation attracted further attention after Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen. The forward later indicated that he would explain his reasons for leaving at a later date.
With Jesus maintaining that there was no disagreement over Ronaldo’s playing time, attention now turns to the forward’s promised explanation and the circumstances surrounding his departure from the national team camp.
