"If he wants and is eligible to play, like this time, Cristiano will be called up for the next squad. He will decide," Coach Jesus stated after the Portugal national team defeated Norway 2-1 in the return leg of the Nations League group stage on the evening of 4/10.
The 72-year-old coach also shed light on the alleged disagreement between them, stemming from his request for Ronaldo to warm up but then not playing him in the first leg against Norway on 27/9. According to Jesus, this was a misunderstanding, as many other players warmed up without being used, a common occurrence not only for Portugal but for numerous other top national teams.
"Perhaps the real issue is that he warmed up without playing, because he is an icon," Jesus added. "But that happens to every player. How many players warmed up today without playing?"
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Coach Jesus gives instructions during Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway in the fourth round of the Nations League group stage on 4/10, in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo: AP
Jesus also affirmed his responsibility for all decisions and events concerning the Portugal national team. However, when asked if he would apologize for the Ronaldo incident, the coach responded, "No! What do I need to apologize for, and to whom?"
The controversy surrounding Ronaldo began when Jesus called up the squad for the initial four Nations League group stage matches. According to *Marca*, the two had initially agreed Ronaldo would play the first and fourth games. In the first match, a 1-0 victory over Wales on 24/9, CR7 started, had a goal disallowed, and was substituted. However, in the second match, the first leg against Norway three days later, Jesus changed his mind after Erling Haaland equalized. He asked Ronaldo to warm up, preparing him to enter the game. But once Goncalo Ramos scored to make it 2-1, Jesus opted to protect the lead, ultimately not using the captain forward as intended. After the final whistle, while other substitutes applauded the fans, Ronaldo walked into the tunnel looking visibly displeased.
The situation escalated further on 29/9. While his teammates resumed training after a rest day, Ronaldo arrived at the training ground, then promptly left to work out at the hotel gym. At the subsequent press conference, Jesus maintained there were no issues with Ronaldo, but asserted his authority as coach to determine team tactics and player selection. Ronaldo was reportedly angered by these statements.
On 30/9, Ronaldo departed Portugal's training camp with two matches remaining, despite efforts by both Coach Jesus and Pedro Proenca, President of the Portuguese Football Federation, to persuade him to stay. The 41-year-old forward vowed to disclose "the truth" at an appropriate time.
The possibility of a disagreement between Ronaldo and Jesus surprised many observers. Last season, the 72-year-old coach led Al Nassr, guiding CR7 to his first title in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Pro League.
Portugal secured a perfect 12 points and topped Group 4 of Nations League A with victories over Wales (1-0), Norway (2-1, 2-1), and Denmark (4-2). Jesus's team clinched the first spot in the quarterfinals.
Thanh Quy (according to Marca, Ojogo)
