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Portugal is basing its entire game plan on a star who doesn’t score. Yet Cristiano Ronaldo (39) still enjoys the full confidence of Roberto Martínez.
“This was a pure moment for Portuguese football. This is an example that should be shown in every academy in Portugal – and the rest of the football world – that the team is the most important thing. That assist probably means more than scoring a goal.”
Speaking: Roberto Martínez.
© NOS Cristiano Ronaldo loses to Bruno Fernandes against Turkey.
Topic of conversation: a wide pass from Cristiano Ronaldo to Bruno Fernandes that he describes as ‘spectacular’.
These kinds of lyrics characterize the relationship between Martínez and his captain. The Spanish coach of Portugal is very enthusiastic about Cristiano Ronaldo. He tells everyone who will listen.
Take the press conference before the match against Slovenia. Before a question is even asked, Martínez takes the floor. ‘Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo is playing tomorrow. I know this was going to be the first question you were going to ask, so I’ve already answered it. Next questions, please.’
After the opening match in which Cristiano Ronaldo was unlucky in his finishing: ‘He is a killer. Cristiano is important for us.’
After Martínez, in consultation with his captain, decided not to give the 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, unlike all the other outfield players, a rest in the final group match against Georgia. ‘It is important that he plays, he only played one friendly match. He had a very consistent season, he played every game and made a lot of minutes. I think it is not good to stop and then pick up the competitive rhythm again.’
Before the start of the tournament, he told UEFA: ‘There are not many players who have achieved what he has achieved. He is an example in many ways. To be the only player to have played more than 200 caps for your country. That is something that will not be easily matched. What surprised me about Cristiano is that he always challenges his age. After every session, the coaching staff and I will be surprised that a player who has achieved everything, who has the choice of how much effort he puts into training, is still driven by winning. He is obsessed with his desire to be the best, obsessed with the perfection he wants to achieve in his career. That is contagious.’
Martínez is paying more than lip service to Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal’s tactics are completely tailored to the superstar. By putting all his chips on the Al Nassr FC forward, the national coach hopes to achieve success.
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Read this article in its entirety
Become a member of VI PRO now for only €6,- per month. Follow the Dutch team during the European Championship with extra interviews with internationals, explanations of Koeman’s choices and of course tactical analyses after all matches. Enjoy the European Championship even more with VI PRO!
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