Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has made it clear that Cristiano Ronaldo’s status and reputation will not determine his tactical decisions, insisting that he alone has the final say over team selection.
Jesus made the comments ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium, amid reports of frustration from Ronaldo after he was left out of the starting lineup against Norway.
The 41-year-old forward did not feature in Portugal’s 2-1 victory, despite being named among the substitutes. Jesus explained that the decision was part of a plan to manage Ronaldo’s workload based on his physical condition.
“I told him (Ronaldo) that he would not start the matches against Norway and Denmark,” Jesus said, explaining that he had previously managed the striker in a similar way during their time together in Saudi Arabia.
Jesus said Ronaldo had been told that he would be brought on if the circumstances of the match required him.
“I can promise whatever I want. I am the coach,” the Portuguese manager added.
The former Sporting Lisbon and Benfica boss was equally firm when asked whether Ronaldo’s influence could affect his decisions, insisting that no player would be allowed to dictate his approach.
“There is no player who will change my ideas, neither him nor anyone else in football, not even any president,” he said.
Jesus also rejected the idea that Ronaldo’s extraordinary career should earn him preferential treatment within the national team.
“Status is one thing, but the rules are the same for everyone,” he said. “I always decide according to the team’s goal.”
The coach was subsequently asked whether Ronaldo could replace first-choice striker Gonçalo Ramos during Thursday’s match against Denmark. Jesus refused to guarantee that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would feature.
“I do not know. It depends on the match,” he said.
Jesus’ comments follow reports that Ronaldo was unhappy after remaining on the bench against Norway. The veteran forward subsequently missed Portugal’s training sessions on Monday and Tuesday.
The situation has attracted further attention after Ronaldo reportedly headed straight down the tunnel following the Norway victory instead of joining his teammates in acknowledging the Portuguese supporters who had travelled to Oslo.
Jesus, however, has maintained that Ronaldo’s involvement will depend on the needs of the team rather than his reputation.
Portugal’s meeting with Denmark could therefore provide another indication of how the new manager intends to balance Ronaldo’s experience with his tactical plans.
