Coach Jesus responded to interview questions approximately one and a half hours before the match against Denmark at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on the evening of 1/10. When asked if he would have handled the situation involving Ronaldo differently, he replied concisely that, at this moment, the chapter is closed.

"Today is match day. I want to focus on the game," Jesus told RTP news agency. "Afterwards, we return to Dragao and focus on the next match against Norway. There will certainly be time to discuss this matter then. For now, it is a closed issue."

Coach Jorge Jesus reacts during Portugal's 4-2 victory over Denmark in the third match of UEFA Nations League Group A4 at Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark on 1/10/2026. Photo: Imago

Jesus believes the controversies surrounding Ronaldo have not affected the morale of the Portugal national team. According to him, the players maintain their enthusiasm, trust in the current direction, and are fully focused on their matches. Jesus also stated that he has not experienced any particular pressure during the recent turbulent period. With years of experience in football, he is confident he handled everything correctly and has no reason for regret.

The 72-year-old coach indicated he would elaborate on Ronaldo's departure from the national team after the match against Norway at Dragao on 4/10. Nevertheless, he emphasized Ronaldo's special status, considering the forward a significant symbol of Portuguese football.

Despite Ronaldo's absence, Portugal defeated Denmark 4-2, with goals from Joao Cancelo, Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, and Joao Felix. This victory secured Portugal a perfect nine points and created a significant advantage in the race for a quarter-final spot.

After the match, Jesus was again questioned about the controversies surrounding Ronaldo. "The important thing is to know what you need to do," he responded. "What happened does not divide the squad. It has never divided us and will not be able to do so."

Following the final whistle, Jesus and the players approached the stands to celebrate with Portuguese fans. He stated that this was not a new action in his career. "At Al Nassr, I did the same after every win. I even played the drums with Cristiano," the 72-year-old coach revealed.

Jesus previously worked with Ronaldo while managing Al Nassr during the 2025-2026 season, leading the club to the Saudi Pro League championship.

Jesus expressed satisfaction that Portugal responded to a week of controversy with a convincing performance. According to him, the team demonstrated maturity, quality of play, and confidence in implementing adventurous ideas. When asked if he felt the support of the entire nation, Jesus admitted he could not be certain but hoped for the companionship of Portuguese fans.

When questioned about controlling the dressing room, Jesus rejected this phrasing. "I don't control anyone," the coach, born in 1954, emphasized. "I have a squad that believes in the coach's ideas. They believe in what I propose, and because they possess very high individual quality, everything becomes easier. If that is considered controlling the squad, then yes, because they are with me and my ideas."

After discussing Ronaldo, Jesus shifted to technical analysis, expressing satisfaction with Portugal's performance. He noted that the national team is improving with each match, both in defensive organization and attacking play. Jesus considered the 4-2 victory in Copenhagen significant because Denmark is a physically strong, technical opponent, especially dangerous from set-pieces. According to him, Portugal effectively controlled this strength of the hosts.

Hong Duy (via Abola)