Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand conceded that Portugal were the better side after Denmark suffered a home defeat in the UEFA Nations League, while saying he had “nothing but respect” for Cristiano Ronaldo’s career and contribution to Portuguese football.
Speaking to Sport TV after the match, Hjulmand said Denmark had tried to impose their own approach despite facing a team packed with world-class players.
“It was a very competitive match,” he said. “Even though Portugal have world-class players, we tried to control the game. Frankly, they are a stronger team than us.”
Denmark attempted to exploit their strengths through man-marking, an aggressive press and a more physical style, but Hjulmand felt missed individual battles gave Portugal opportunities to attack.
“We tried to use our strengths, with man-marking, high pressing, playing more aggressively and creating chances,” he said. “But we lost some duels, which gave them space, especially around Bruno Fernandes.
“If you give him space, he can make things happen, and he did it twice.”
Hjulmand was also asked about Ronaldo, but said he did not know enough about the circumstances surrounding the Portugal captain and his manager to offer a direct view.
“It is difficult for me to talk about it,” he said. “I do not know what happened between him and the coach yesterday, so I would rather not comment because I am not aware of the situation.”
He added: “I just want to show my respect for his career with Portugal and for everything he has given to the Portuguese people.”
Before the warm-up, Hjulmand spoke to former Sporting CP team-mates Trincao, Goncalo Inacio and Rui Silva.
The midfielder said he still followed his former club closely and hoped they could recover their position and win the league title.
“Yes, I spoke to them and I miss them a lot,” he said. “I hope they can turn things around at Sporting CP and win the league title. I will always follow Sporting CP and hope they achieve the success they deserve.
“I will follow them until the end. I have watched some matches and I know it will be difficult to win the title, but I will believe in them right until the very end. Go Sporting CP, always, always!”
Hjulmand left Sporting CP for Atletico Madrid after deciding he needed a fresh challenge and the chance to play in another league.
“I needed a new challenge,” he said. “Frankly, Atletico Madrid gave me the opportunity to play in a different league, and that is what I wanted.
“I had three wonderful years at Sporting CP and I will never forget that period. But when I received the offer, I felt it was the right choice.”
