Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has explained his decision to leave captain Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over Norway in Oslo on Sunday.
Ronaldo, 41, was named among the substitutes and was available for selection, with Jesus initially planning to introduce him during the match.
However, the coach changed his plans as the game progressed, with Gonçalo Ramos leading the attack and scoring the winning goal.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Monday, Jesus said, “I was thinking of Cristiano to come in… but then the game dictates other things,” he explained.
Jesus stressed that Ronaldo’s omission was a tactical decision and had nothing to do with concerns over his physical condition.
“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.
READ ALSO:Portugal Bans Face Coverings, Sets €3,000 Fine
The Portugal boss also disclosed that he had previously reached an understanding with Ronaldo that the veteran forward would be introduced for the final 30 minutes.
However, Ramos’ performance influenced the decision, as the striker scored once and saw another effort ruled out, prompting Jesus to make other changes to preserve the team’s balance and protect the lead.
Portugal made all five of their permitted substitutions, bringing on Vitinha, Rafael Leão, Rúben Neves, Francisco Trincão and Bernardo Silva, but Ronaldo remained on the bench until the final whistle.
Jesus has indicated that Ronaldo could return to the starting line-up in Portugal’s next fixtures, with Denmark a possible destination for his return.
The victory was Portugal’s second consecutive win in the Nations League and kept them at the top of their group.