Portugal coach Santos breaks his silence on dropping Ronaldo from the squad as he guides his team to reach quarters
Fernando Santos stated that his decision to leave out Cristiano Ronaldo for Tuesday’s 6-1 victory against Switzerland in the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup was “strategic and nothing more.”
Santos had expressed his displeasure with Ronaldo’s response to being substituted in the last group stage match against South Korea, but he stated that the incident had no bearing on the team’s performance.
“I said that it was closed and it was closed. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world playing professionally and as a captain … so we have to just think about this team collectively,” he said.
Questioned whether it was the most difficult decision of his career to leave out Ronaldo, Santos said: “I have a very close relationship I always have, known him since he was 19 at Sporting, and then for years here in the national squad,” he said.
“Ronaldo and I never confuse the human and personal aspect with the coach and player relationship. He is a very important player to have in the team,” he said.
Santos said he expected a “very difficult” game against Morocco in the quarter-finals but said his team were clearly in good form.
“If we can continue like this and improve some things then that is a good path,” he added.
“Ronaldo and I never confuse the human and personal aspect with the coach and player relationship. He is a very important player to have in the team,” he said.
Santos said he anticipated a “very difficult” game against Morocco in the quarter-finals but said his team were clearly in good form.
“If we can continue like this and improve some things then that is a good path,” he added.
Portugal coach Santos breaks his silence on dropping Ronaldo from the squad as he guides his team to reach quarters
