Jorge Jesus defends his decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal vs Norway
(Courtesy : Getty)
Ronaldo remained an unused substitute against Norway.
Portugal manager Jorge Jesus defended his choice to bench Cristiano Ronaldo following the team’s 2-1 victory over Norway by stating that he “needed a player with different characteristics.”
For the first time in over 18 years, the 41-year-old was on the bench for the Nations League game and did not appear on the field even as a substitute.
Jorge Jesus reveals why he didn’t bring Ronaldo against Norway
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s former manager at Al Nassr, Jesus, utilised all five of his replacements on Sunday: Vitinha, Rafael Leão, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Neves, and Francisco Trincão, who took Ramos’ place in the 81st minute. But Ronaldo remained on the bench.
Cristiano Ronaldo did not approach the Portugal supporters after the final whistle of Sunday’s game; instead, he proceeded straight down the tunnel.
“I had even agreed with him that he would come on in the last half hour, but the match did not require it,” Jesus told Portuguese broadcaster RTP.
“Goncalo Ramos was playing well, he had scored a goal and had another one ruled out. I felt it was not the right moment to substitute him. It was not to protect him physically, because he was in the condition to play as long as I wanted.”
“The match followed its course and it stopped being the opportune moment to bring on Cris. Instead, another player was necessary to guarantee balance and the result.”
Prior to Portugal’s 1-0 victory against Wales on Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo, the most-capped men’s player of all time with 234 appearances, stated that he had spoken with Jesus about his international future and that he would “finish [playing for Portugal] when I feel like I’m not doing anything here.”
Jesus emphasised that Ronaldo is still a possibility for Thursday’s Nations League match against Denmark.
Why didn’t Jesus play Cristiano Ronaldo against Norway?
He felt he wasn’t needed as other players got the job done.
When is Portugal’s next game?
On 2nd September 12:15 am IST.
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