Portugal coach says Ronaldo’s absence followed agreed fitness plan

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has rejected reports of a dispute with Cristiano Ronaldo, saying the forward’s absence from the team’s first two Nations League matches followed a plan agreed with the captain. Speaking at a press conference in Copenhagen before Portugal’s meeting with Denmark, Jesus said he had discussed Ronaldo’s physical condition with him in advance. He said Ronaldo was not scheduled to play against either Norway or Denmark.

Jesus said the arrangement was similar to one made with Bruno Fernandes. He explained that his previous work with Ronaldo, including during periods when matches were played every three days, had given him an understanding of the player’s physical condition. According to Jesus, Ronaldo had accepted the decision and said he would follow whatever the coach wanted, whether that meant playing or remaining on the bench.

Jesus said he had considered using him late in the match but decided against it after assessing how the game developed. Ronaldo warmed up during the match but was not brought on. Jesus said this was because he had initially thought the forward might be needed, before ultimately deciding that the situation did not require his introduction.

He acknowledged that a player would naturally be unhappy after warming up without entering the game. Jesus also denied reports that Ronaldo had refused to train. He said Ronaldo completed gym work, mobility exercises on the field and strength work at the hotel.

The coach said injured players Francisco Conceição and João Félix were also being managed. The coach insisted there was no incident involving the captain and said player status did not give anyone different rights. He added that decisions were made according to what he believed was best for Portugal’s objective of winning the Nations League.