Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo will not influence his tactical decisions, stressing that he remains the final authority over team selection. Jesus made the remarks ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark on Thursday at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.
The coach revealed that he had already informed Ronaldo that the 41-year-old would not start Portugal’s matches against Norway and Denmark, explaining that he was managing the veteran forward’s workload based on his physical condition. “I told him (Ronaldo) that he would not start the matches against Norway and Denmark. I worked for a year with Cris. I know his physical condition perfectly.
I was already doing that in Saudi Arabia, when we were playing every three days… And I mentioned to him that he would be there where and when the need arose. And that is what happened,” Jesus said. Jesus also addressed reports that Ronaldo had been unhappy after being left out of Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway.
The Portugal boss said that although he may make promises to players regarding their involvement, he remains responsible for deciding when they play. “I can promise whatever I want. I am the coach,” Jesus said. “I told the player that he would not start the match, and that he would be on the substitutes’ bench.
If I need him for 30 minutes then he will play, and if I do not need him then he will not play. “There is no player who will change my ideas, neither him nor anyone else in football, not even any president, that will never happen.” Jesus, who previously managed Sporting Lisbon and Benfica, said Ronaldo’s status and achievements do not give him special treatment within the team.
“Status is one thing, but the rules are the same