Last Update: December 07, 2022, 08:18 AM IST
Portugal coach Fernando Santos (AP Image)
Fernando Santos expressed his displeasure with Ronaldo’s reaction in the final group stage game against South Korea, but said the matter had no bearing on the decision to bench Ronaldo against Switzerland.
Portugal coach Fernando Santos decided to leave out Cristiano Ronaldo from his squad for their 6-1 win over Switzerland on Tuesday. World The Cup last 16 was “strategic and nothing more”.
Santos expressed his displeasure over Ronaldo’s reaction to being suspended in the final group stage game against South Korea but said the matter had no effect.
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“I said it was off and it was off. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world playing professionally and as a captain, so we have to think about this team collectively.”
Asked if sacking Ronaldo was the most difficult decision of his career, Santos said: “I’ve always had a very close relationship, I’ve known him since he was 19 at Sporting, and then here Been in the national team for years.” They said.
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“Ronaldo and I never confuse the human and personal aspect with the relationship between coach and player. He is a very important player to have in the team,” he said.
Santos said he expected a “very tough” game against Morocco in the quarter-finals but said his team was clearly in good form.
“If we can continue like this and improve on a few things, it’s a good way to go,” he added.
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