Jesus says Portugal must answer Denmark defeat without dwelling on Ronaldo

Jorge Jesus has rejected suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence was the reason for Portugal’s 1-4 defeat by Denmark, saying the former captain made his own decision to leave international football.

A number of Portugal supporters left the stands after Denmark scored their fourth goal, chanting Ronaldo’s name and bringing the 23-year international career of the country’s most celebrated player back into the spotlight.

Asked whether he missed Ronaldo or felt concerned by his absence, Jesus said the two issues should not be confused. He accepted that supporters would naturally continue to remember the forward’s contribution to Portugal.

“People miss him and have not forgotten what Cris gave the national team over 23 years, but there is no going back,” Jesus said.

On whether he personally missed Ronaldo, the Portugal manager added: “How can I miss him when he is no longer with the national team? The only way I would miss him is if he were beside me, but he no longer plays and he is no longer here. He made his decision himself.”

Jesus said he was unhappy with the way Portugal’s home defeat unfolded, particularly their failure to cope with conceding four goals. He acknowledged that his side did not reproduce the defensive strength shown in the first leg, when Portugal won 4-2.

Denmark’s high press created problems, especially after the interval, as the visitors exploited space behind Portugal’s players. The hosts also struggled to create enough attacking opportunities.

Jesus said the defensive problems began higher up the pitch because Portugal’s forwards failed to apply the required pressure, allowing Denmark to advance with the ball and build attacks comfortably.

He highlighted two similar goals scored from crosses, saying Denmark’s players moved from deep into advanced positions and found spaces between Alberto and Ruben Dias. The visitors, he added, showed a strong understanding of Portugal’s movements and weaknesses.

The manager took responsibility for the result, saying that any failure by players to follow his instructions ultimately rests with him. However, he also noted that some players had lacked competitive sharpness after spending two weeks without playing for their clubs.

Portugal must respond against Wales

The defeat has changed Jesus’ plans for the next match against Wales. He had been considering giving opportunities to some players, but now intends to rely more heavily on those who have performed well and contributed to Portugal’s four previous victories.

That selection will be aimed at restoring balance and securing qualification. Portugal’s meeting with Wales on 17 November 2026 is their final opportunity to confirm top spot in the group and reach the quarter-finals.

Jesus insisted the loss should not undermine the team’s progress during its opening four matches.

“I will not question the journey the team made in those four matches, in which we achieved strong victories,” he said.

After the final whistle, Jesus went to the dressing room to lift the players’ spirits. He reminded them that Portugal remain top of the group and still control their opportunity to finish first.

He accepted that the defeat was a heavy one, while conceding that Denmark deserved their victory. The sequence of goals had also damaged Portugal’s confidence, he said, as the players began to doubt whether they could recover once the deficit widened.

Despite that setback, Jesus said his team must put the result behind them and focus on Wales, a match that will determine whether Portugal retain their position at the top and complete their passage to the quarter-finals.