Cristiano Ronaldo i Portugal Manager Jorge Jesus reportedly had clear talks after the Al-Nassr striker did not come off the bench during the 2-1 win in Norway on Sunday.
After being replaced in the starting eleven by Goncalo Ramos, Jesus admitted that he later told Ronaldo that he would come on at some point in the game at the Ullevall Stadium. But he reneged on that promise, instead leaving the 41-year-old on the sidelines.
Ronaldo was visibly irritated and walked straight down the tunnel at the final whistle rather than join his team-mates as they celebrated a good win with the roving supporters.
The apparent slump has eased since the team moved from Norway to Malmo, Sweden, to prepare for tomorrow night’s Nations League match with Denmark.
Ronaldo skips training for two days
The other substitutes who did not play against Norway trained on Monday, but Ronaldo was absent, although there has been no mention of a physical problem.
On Tuesday, Ronaldo joined the rest of his team-mates at the Eleda Stadium and appeared before the start of training, sitting on the bench sipping coffee, before being whisked back to the hotel as the team progressed.
The Portuguese Football Federation explained that Ronaldo was on a specific training program and that the Eleda Stadium did not have the proper equipment and would therefore undergo an individual session back at the team’s base.
A Ball claim that Ronaldo and Jesus, who are known to have a strong working relationship after combining to help Al-Nassr win the Saudi Pro League last season, spoke last night in an attempt to iron out any differences.
But it now remains to be seen whether the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star will be available for the match with Denmark as he has not trained since the weekend.
For his part, Ronaldo has not expressed any frustration and took to social media yesterday to post a photo of himself next to the Portuguese flag emojis and a heart.
Jesus is due to speak to the press this afternoon and will be accompanied by a player yet to be determined. Training at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium will follow and it could be that another lack of performance from Ronaldo means he is out of contention for tomorrow night’s Group A4 clash.
Denmark coach Riemer believes Portugal are better with Ronaldo
The news would be welcomed by Denmark boss Brian Riemer, who spoke of Ronaldo’s importance to Portugal.
Speaking to TV2, he said: “It’s a bit stupid to talk about this around Cristiano Ronaldo. I think a lot of people underestimate his importance to the Portuguese national team. The day he retires, Portugal will have a problem. There are many strong personalities in a national team like Portugal’s and who will organize the hierarchy (when he goes)? It will be a big challenge.”
“The importance of Ronaldo should not be underestimated. The best team in Portugal includes Ronaldo. When you face Portugal, you face top players in every position. I say to the players: these are the challenges they must face with determination.
“We are not the favourites, even playing at home. We know that we will face a very good team and that we will have to put in an outstanding performance to have any chance of winning.”
