Portugal Coach Jorge Jesus Set to Bench Cristiano Ronaldo Again, Denies Rift
Jesus said he does not plan to start Ronaldo against Denmark in the Nations League but insisted there is no feud between the two.
Written by EGazette’s AI. The facts are drawn from cited sources; the analysis is the AI’s own.
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said he is not planning to include Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting lineup for the national team's upcoming Nations League match against Denmark on Thursday.
Jesus addressed speculation about tension with his captain directly, saying there is no feud between the two despite Ronaldo being left out of the starting eleven in consecutive matches.
Coach defends his choices
"I make the decisions," Jesus said, framing the move as a standard coaching call rather than a sign of conflict with the veteran forward. The comment underscores the coach's insistence that team selection remains his prerogative regardless of a player's stature.
Ronaldo, one of the most decorated players in the history of the national team, has started on the bench in Portugal's last two matches under Jesus, a decision that has drawn attention given his long-standing role as captain.
Jesus did not elaborate on the specific tactical or fitness reasons behind the decision, and it remains unclear whether Ronaldo will feature as a substitute in the match against Denmark.
Sources
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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