Portugal manager, Jorge Jesus has explained why captain Cristiano Ronaldo did not feature in the team’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Norway in Oslo on Sunday.
The 41-year-old forward was named among the substitutes and was available for selection, but remained on the bench throughout the encounter as Gonçalo Ramos led the attack and scored the winning goal.
Jesus revealed that Ronaldo was initially expected to come on during the game, but the circumstances of the match forced him to change his plans.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Monday, the Portugal coach said, “I was thinking of Cristiano to come in… but then the game dictates other things,” he explained.
Jesus also dismissed any suggestion that Ronaldo was left out because of a fitness issue, stressing that the decision was tactical and that the veteran forward was ready to play.
“I felt it wasn’t the right time to put him in the game. There are still two more games, but it wasn’t to protect him physically. He was ready,” Jesus added.
The coach further disclosed that he had reached an agreement with Ronaldo before the match to introduce him for the final 30 minutes.
However, Ramos’ performance influenced his decision, with the striker scoring once and having another effort ruled out, while Jesus opted for changes he felt would preserve the team’s balance and protect their advantage.
Portugal made all five substitutions available to them, with Vitinha, Rafael Leão, Rúben Neves, Francisco Trincão and Bernardo Silva entering the game, but Ronaldo was not called upon.
Jesus has indicated that Ronaldo could return to the starting line-up in Portugal’s next fixture, with Denmark potentially his next opponent.
The victory was Portugal’s second consecutive win in the Nations League and kept them at the top of their group.
