The selector of Portugal, Fernando Santosassured that his decision to leave Cristiano Ronaldo out of the starting eleven in Tuesday’s 6-1 win over Switzerland in the World Cup round of 16 was “strategic and nothing more.”
Santos He had expressed his dissatisfaction with Ronaldo’s reaction to being substituted in the last group game once morest South Korea (2-1), but assured that this matter had no repercussions.
“I said it was closed and it was. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world playing professionally and as captain…so we just have to think regarding this team collectively,” he said.
Asked if it was the most difficult decision of his career to do without Cristiano Ronaldo, Santos He replied: “I have a very close relationship with him, I always have, I’ve known him since he was 19 at Sporting, and then for years here in the national team,” he said.
“Ronaldo and I never confuse the human and personal aspect with the coach-player relationship. He is a very important player to have in the team,” he said.
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DT of Portugal on the comparisons between Cristiano and Ramos
The Portugal coach also referred to the comparison made between Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos, author of three of his team’s six goals.
“I already explained it and I won’t explain it once more, they are different players,” said the coach.
“It was due to the characteristics of the game, they are different players. Dalot also came in, Cancelo came out… It has to do with what I thought of the dynamics of the game. Problem? I already answered that question. No problem, we’ve been friends since many years ago. Everything is completely fixed and he set the example of a true captain”, added the Portugal coach.
Santos He added that he expected a “very difficult” game once morest Morocco in the quarter-finals, but said his team is in very good shape.
“If we can continue like this and improve some things, it’s a good path,” he added.
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