Jorge Jesus denies Cristiano Ronaldo rift as Portugal leave captain on bench again

Jesus rejects claims of a Ronaldo dispute

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has denied that he has fallen out with captain Cristiano Ronaldo after the forward was left out of the team’s 2-1 win over Norway and appeared to avoid the customary post-match celebration with supporters.

Ronaldo warmed up for around 20 minutes in Oslo but was not introduced, then went straight to the dressing room rather than joining his team-mates in thanking the visiting fans. The incident prompted reports that he was unhappy with Jesus, who previously coached him at Saudi club Al-Nassr.

“There was no incident whatsoever,” Jesus told reporters before Portugal’s Nations League match against Denmark. “Any player - and I was a player myself - when you spend 20 or 30 minutes warming up and then don't get on, no-one is happy about that.”

Individual training explained

Jesus said he had informed Ronaldo before the Norway match that he would not start but could be used from the bench. He ultimately decided not to bring him on.

The Portugal coach also dismissed suggestions that Ronaldo had refused to train on Tuesday. He said the 41-year-old was instead completing individual “mobility” and “strengthening” exercises and was due to return to normal team training the following day.

Portuguese media later shared video of Ronaldo leaving Parken Stadium in Copenhagen with two members of Portugal’s backroom staff. Reports also said his private jet was heading to the Danish capital.

Ramos set to lead the attack

Jesus confirmed that Goncalo Ramos is expected to start against Denmark after scoring Portugal’s winner against Norway. Ronaldo could still be introduced if the match situation requires it.

“If everything goes according to plan, it will be Goncalo who plays,” Jesus said. “If I need [Ronaldo], he'll come on. If I don't need him, he won't.”