Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has explained the circumstances surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s sudden departure from the national team camp, insisting that there was no serious dispute between them.
Ronaldo was left on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday, despite warming up during the match. Jesus said he had agreed with Ronaldo that the captain could come on in the final part of the game, but decided against making the substitution because he felt the match did not require it.
Jesus said Ronaldo was disappointed after remaining unused but described the situation as normal, stressing that decisions over playing time belong to the coach.
The coach also denied reports that Ronaldo had refused to train with the squad. He explained that the forward carried out individual gym work focused on mobility and strengthening, rather than refusing training.
However, tension increased after Jesus announced that Ronaldo would not start Portugal’s Nations League match against Denmark. Shortly after the coach’s press conference, Ronaldo left the training camp following a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
Ronaldo later said he would reveal the reasons for his decision to leave the camp “in due course”, while wishing Portugal and his teammates success.
Jesus maintains that there was no conflict, but Ronaldo’s departure has raised questions about the relationship between the captain and the new Portugal coach.
Leave a comment