Nations League: Why I Benched Ronaldo Against Norway – Portugal Coach, Jesus

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has explained why he left Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench for his team’s UEFA Nations League clash against Norway on Sunday.

Ronaldo was an unused substitute as Gonçalo Ramos started in his place. Portugal went on to win the match 2-1, with Ramos and João Félix scoring for the European champions.

Jesus said his decision was based on Ronaldo’s physical condition after the forward had played around 70 minutes against Wales in Portugal’s previous Nations League fixture.

The Portuguese manager explained that Ronaldo was not able to start two consecutive matches, especially with the team facing a demanding schedule.

Jesus said via Al Nassr Zone on X: “Today is the third day. Cristiano played around 70 minutes against Wales, and I saw that he is not able to start two consecutive matches.”

The coach stressed that Ronaldo remains an important part of his plans and that he wants the 41-year-old to feature throughout Portugal’s four-match run.

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He added: “We want Cristiano Ronaldo to be with us for these four matches, whether he plays more minutes or fewer, but we want him to be on the pitch.”