Portugal coach says Ronaldo disagreement was no more than match frustration

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has denied that he had a dispute with Cristiano Ronaldo after the forward remained on the bench during Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s match against Denmark in Copenhagen, Jesus said there had been no incident between him and the captain. He acknowledged, however, that Ronaldo was unhappy after warming up without entering the game.

Jesus said he had informed Ronaldo before the match that he would not start but might be introduced late in the contest. The coach subsequently decided not to bring him on, a decision he described as a normal sporting choice. Ronaldo went directly to the changing rooms after the victory in Oslo rather than joining teammates in greeting supporters.

Jesus said that any player who warmed up for 20 or 30 minutes and did not play would naturally be disappointed. The coach also rejected reports that Ronaldo had refused to train on Tuesday. He said the forward had instead completed individual mobility and strengthening exercises.

Jesus added that Ronaldo would train normally on Thursday. For the Denmark match, Jesus said he intended to start AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos, who scored Portugal’s winner against Norway. Ronaldo could be used if the coach considers him necessary.

Ronaldo, 41, announced this summer that the current season would probably be his last in football. He remains Portugal’s leading scorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances, according to the report.