Ronaldo and Portugal coach Jesus hold talks as tensions ease

Cristiano Ronaldo’s dispute with Portugal coach Jesus appears to have eased after the pair held private talks following the captain’s frustration at being left on the bench against Norway.

Ronaldo was unhappy at not featuring in Portugal’s 2-1 defeat by Norway in the Nations League. He also missed Portugal’s training session on Tuesday, returning to the team hotel to complete exercises in the gym.

The forward attracted further attention after arriving at Eleda stadium 30 minutes before the scheduled start of training. Following a brief conversation with Jesus, however, Ronaldo returned to the hotel instead of taking part in the session.

Jesus gave a short account of his relationship with the Portugal captain after training, saying: “I speak to Cristiano Ronaldo every day, every minute.”

Portuguese sports media reported on Tuesday evening that an emergency meeting had taken place between the coach and Ronaldo. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca also changed his schedule to visit the national team and try to contain the dispute.

According to French network Foot Mercato, Portuguese newspaper O Jogo confirmed that Ronaldo had been particularly angered after Jesus assured him he would play for 30 minutes against Norway. Despite that, the Al Nassr player only left the substitutes’ bench to warm up, increasing his frustration and creating tension around the squad. The two men later discussed the situation.

A Bola reported that the issue had been resolved, saying: “According to the information gathered by our newspaper, the conversation between the national team coach and the captain went well and left a positive impression. It is likely to ease the tension that has existed since the Norway match.”

Record also said the situation had become calmer and made no mention of any punishment for Ronaldo. Its report stated: “The captain and the coach spoke privately on Tuesday evening and reached an agreement over the controversy surrounding the Norway match.”

Portuguese website Futebol published a similar account but offered a more cautious assessment. It said: “Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo spoke again on Tuesday evening at a hotel in Malmo, and the atmosphere surrounding their relationship has clearly calmed. According to information gathered by Futebol, this latest face-to-face meeting, the second in a long series, helped reduce the tension.

“At this stage, some claim the dispute has eased, while others believe it would be an exaggeration to say it is over. What is certain is that they have moved closer after a turbulent day marked by controversy.”

Despite the calmer mood, Proenca maintained his decision to bring forward his journey to Copenhagen. He left Lisbon late on Tuesday night and is due to meet Jesus and Ronaldo on Wednesday to establish exactly what happened and check the accounts of the events of the previous hours.

Portugal travel to face Denmark on Thursday in the third round of the Nations League.