Jorge Jesus says Portugal’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Norway is the priority, but insists Cristiano Ronaldo remains impossible to overlook because he is “a symbol of the Portuguese team and a symbol of Portugal”.
Portugal host Norway at Estadio do Dragao in the fourth round of the competition, with victory effectively securing their qualification for the quarter-finals.
Jesus said he wanted both a win and a performance comparable to Portugal’s excellent display against Denmark in Copenhagen.
“We played exceptionally well in that match, with many segments demonstrating high quality, thanks to the excellent individual abilities of our Portuguese players,” he said.
The manager was repeatedly asked about his relationship with captain Ronaldo, but refused to discuss the matter in detail before the match.
“The focus must be on the Portuguese team; everything should prioritise the Portuguese team. And Norway, because Norway is our opponent in this match,” Jesus said.
“However, this does not mean I can ignore Ronaldo, nor can you ignore him. Ronaldo is a symbol of the Portuguese team and a symbol of Portugal. This must be made clear. As for your question, we will have plenty of time to talk about it after the game.”
Jesus also dismissed questions about whether the dispute could affect Ronaldo’s possible role as an ambassador for the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal are very likely to contest under his leadership.
“Football moves forward day by day, not even month by month, but day by day, game by game,” he said. “Tomorrow’s game is the most importantthe one against Norway.”
He described Norway as “one of the top five teams in Europe” and said he expected a high-quality and intense contest.
The coach said support at Estadio do Dragao should be directed towards the national team rather than himself.
“I am part of the team, a component of the team, and also the leader of the team,” Jesus said, adding that he wanted supporters to focus on “my flag, my country”.
Portugal have two further matches remaining after the Norway game, but Jesus said qualification must be secured first before attention turns to younger players and possible changes within the squad.
He also confirmed that changes are likely because of accumulated fatigue. Portugal have generally altered a maximum of four players for each match so far, although Jesus said a fifth change remained possible depending on fitness and performances.
Players who have featured heavily are now facing a greater risk of injury, he said, and some would be rotated against Norway. Joao Felix has recovered, while Francisco Conceicao’s condition will be assessed during the final training session before Jesus decides on his options.
