🚨🎙️ Steve McClaren, Erik ten Hag’s former assistant manager at Manchester United, on Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest Portugal situation:
“This actually reminded me of Cristiano’s time at Manchester United. People really thought Erik ten Hag was the problem, but they never understood what was actually happening. This isn’t a coincidence. Mourinho, Sarri, Allegri, Ten Hag — everywhere Ronaldo goes, eventually there’s conflict.
I coached alongside Erik at United, and believe me, you can’t coach Ronaldo without eventually having an issue with Ronaldo. It’s like playing with 10 against 11. We demanded pressing, everyone had to press together, but Ronaldo didn’t want to follow those instructions.
Put him on the bench and he starts questioning you because his priority is his legacy, his goals, his numbers. If the team isn’t playing well, it’s never his biggest concern as long as he gets his goal.
Portugal have given him everything. His time is up, but he refuses to accept it. You’re the leader, so why not know when to step down?
Now we’ll see him criticizing Portugal, the FA and the coaches again. Maybe now people will understand where the real problem has been.”
This bro was one of the biggest Messi haters until December 18, 2022. TheN Messi won his heart, he saw the light and converted to become a Messi admirer. ADMIRATION IS EARNED, NOT GIVEN.
🚨EXCL: Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus finally responds to Ronaldo’s statement… and he did NOT hold back. 😳🇵🇹
🗣️Jorge Jesus: “I read Cristiano’s statement yesterday and my first reaction was simple: he should never have said those things publicly.
“When a player starts believing his name gives him the right to question every decision, you have a problem.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a legend of Portugal, but legends are remembered for what they have done
“they are not guaranteed minutes because of their past.
“I cannot select a player because of his reputation while ignoring what he gives us on the pitch today.
“People keep asking why he has been dropped and benched.
“The answer is football. At this moment, I have players who can offer more intensity, more movement and more balance to this team.
“If Ronaldo cannot accept that, then that is his problem, not mine.
“Portugal does not belong to Cristiano Ronaldo.
“It belongs to the Portuguese people. No player is bigger than the national team, and I will never sacrifice the team just to keep one superstar happy.
“If Cristiano thinks Portugal cannot function without him, then he needs to understand something: we are building a team, not a monument to one player.”