– If I have seen the pictures? Yes, and I didn’t like them at all. I didn’t like them. I really didn’t like them, says Portugal coach Fernando Santos at the press conference before Tuesday’s meeting with Switzerland. The images he is referring to are of a disgruntled Cristiano Ronaldo who was substituted for the third game in a row. The Portuguese star has been used to playing the whole game for a number of years, but in the last couple of years the 37-year-old has struggled and has constantly either started on the bench or been substituted before full-time. Ronaldo has had a serviceable start to the championship, where he was decisive against Ghana in the first game. In the other two games, however, he had to go off scoreless. WORDS EXCHANGED: What was said is uncertain, but Ronaldo delivered a few words after being substituted. Photo: MATTHEW CHILDS / Reuters Gets Hareide criticism The Portugal coach was also asked if Ronaldo’s captain’s armband is in danger after the incident. – I decide who will be captain when I get to the stadium. I know which one to field. That’s the way I’ve always done it and the way I’ll always do it, says Santos. – The other case has been resolved. We have fixed it internally. news’s football expert Åge Hareide also reacts strongly to the images of Ronaldo. He understands Santos’ reaction. – It is clear that the coach must say that he cannot behave like that. There have been a number of similar cases recently compared to before, says Hareide and refers to, among other things, dissatisfaction on the pitch and the controversial interview with Piers Morgan. REACTS: Åge Hareide thinks Cristiano Ronaldo’s behavior lately is arrogant. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB In the interview with Morgan, Ronaldo clearly expressed his dissatisfaction at Manchester United. He suggested that several people at the club did not want him and that the club had taken far too few steps since he was last at the club. It all ended with Ronaldo’s contract being terminated. – I think he is acting very arrogant at the moment. There is a lot of non-sports noise. I don’t know why it has suddenly become like that, because it was little before. It shouldn’t be necessary when he’s had such a fantastic career. He spoils his career when he behaves like that, says the former Denmark manager. – I feel betrayed. Cristiano Ronaldo holds nothing back in the interview that sends shockwaves through the football world. – Behavior that cannot be tolerated Hareide believes it is difficult for a coach to handle a star player like Ronaldo. – It is difficult because he is, in a way, a living icon. But on the other hand, you have to put your foot down with regard to everyone else, because others have to be treated equally. It is behavior that cannot be tolerated, Hareide believes. – Do you think that body language sends a bad signal to the other players? – Yes, of course. You shouldn’t react like that when you are replaced. He acts in a way where it is only about himself and not about the team. SUBSTITUTE: Ronaldo has been substituted in all three games for Portugal. Photo: PEDRO NUNES / Reuters He also received negative attention for something similar last season, when he was substituted before the end of the match against Brentford. At the time, then United manager Ralf Rangnick defended him. – It is normal, he is a striker and wanted to score goals. I wanted to remind you that we have another game in three games. I wanted to make sure we defended the lead, said the German. Ronaldo will probably play from the start again when Portugal meet Switzerland in their World Cup round of 16 final.
ttn-69
Ronaldo is slaughtered by his own coach after these photos – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcast schedule
