PORTUGAL COACH EXPLAINS RONALDO’S ABSENCE AND TRAINING SITUATION

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has explained the circumstances surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from the team’s Nations League matches against Norway and Denmark.

Jesus said Ronaldo’s omission was part of a plan they agreed on before the matches because of the veteran forward’s physical condition.

The coach explained that he had worked with Ronaldo for a year and was familiar with his fitness levels. He said Ronaldo had accepted the decision and never refused any instruction from the coaching staff.

Jesus said he considered bringing Ronaldo on late in the match but ultimately decided against it based on how the game developed.

He also rejected reports of a disagreement between himself and the Portugal captain, insisting that the same approach had been applied to Bruno Fernandes, who was also being managed because of his physical condition.

According to Jesus, a player’s status does not give them special treatment when it comes to team decisions. He said his decisions would always be based on what he believed was best for Portugal.

The coach also denied reports that Ronaldo had refused to train. He explained that Ronaldo carried out gym, mobility and strength exercises instead of joining the full training session as part of the team’s workload management.

Jesus said Ronaldo was expected to return to full training with the squad and insisted that the forward had not rejected any training instructions.

He also explained why Ronaldo warmed up during the match but was not eventually introduced. Jesus said he initially thought he might need the forward but changed his decision as the match progressed.

The coach acknowledged that Ronaldo would naturally be unhappy after warming up for several minutes without being brought on, but said there was no incident or dispute behind the decision.

Jesus further insisted that no player, including Ronaldo, would pressure him into changing his tactical or selection decisions.

He said Portugal Football Federation president Pedro Proença later asked about the situation because of reports circulating in the country, but maintained that there had been no real problem between him and Ronaldo.

Ronaldo subsequently left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen, with reports stating that he departed in a Portuguese Football Federation vehicle. The captain later said he would explain the reasons for his departure at a later time.