Jorge Jesus has denied reports of a dispute with Cristiano Ronaldo, describing the situation as “an issue that did not exist” ahead of Portugal’s Nations League meeting with Denmark.
Jesus was speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, the day before Portugal’s third-round match in the competition, after speculation that Ronaldo had been unhappy at not featuring in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Norway.
“There is a lot being said about this in Portugal, to the point where I do not understand what is happening,” Jesus said. “But there was nothing to discuss.”
The Portugal manager said reports in the Portuguese media had led him to speak to Ronaldo about a situation that, in his view, had never existed.
“I was essentially forced by the Portuguese media to speak to Cristiano about a situation that was not there at all,” he added.
Jesus said he asked the forward about the reports, prompting Ronaldo to reaffirm that he would follow the manager’s decision.
“I said to Cristiano: ‘There is a lot being said about this in Portugal…’ Cristiano replied: ‘I am here for you to decide. If you want me to play, I will play. If you do not want me to play, I will not play. If you want me in the stands, I will go to the stands,’” Jesus said.
“We had already analysed everything after dinner. There was no problem at all.”
Jesus denies Ronaldo refused to train
Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi club Al Nassr, was not involved against Norway, even as a substitute. He also did not train with his team-mates on Monday or Tuesday.
Jesus had said before the match that he intended to use Ronaldo, although it was unlikely that the 39-year-old would start.
After the final whistle in Oslo, Ronaldo went directly from the substitutes’ bench to the tunnel and did not join his Portugal team-mates in acknowledging the Portuguese supporters who had attended the match.
Asked whether Ronaldo had refused to train, Jesus said: “No, he did not refuse to train. Cristiano trained in the gym, did mobility exercises on the pitch and then completed muscle-strengthening work at the hotel.”
“That is exactly what happened. Today he will train. Come and watch the session and you will see him,” he added.
“I am not talking only about Cristiano. Do you really think a player in a national team can refuse to train? Not just in Portugal, but in any national team. That is what I wanted to make clear.”
