Jorge Jesus dismisses Cristiano Ronaldo tensions before Denmark tie

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has denied there is a problem between him and captain Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the presence of the Portuguese Football Federation president at the team’s training camp in Denmark was not linked to any disagreement.

Portugal face Denmark on Thursday in their third match in Group D of the UEFA Nations League – League A.

“Ronaldo is not the main reason I am here,” Jesus said at his pre-match news conference. “The main reason is the match against Denmark and the fact I am the national team coach.”

Jesus said he had discussed the plans with Ronaldo, as he had with Bruno Fernandes, and told the Al-Nassr forward he would not play in either the match against Norway or the game against Denmark.

“It is true that I spoke to him and we made a plan, just as I did with Bruno Fernandes,” Jesus said. “I told Cristiano he would not participate in the Norway or Denmark matches.”

Ronaldo did not play in Portugal’s previous Nations League fixture against Norway in the second round of matches.

Asked about reports that Ronaldo had refused to train, Jesus rejected the suggestion that the incident represented a dispute.

“Let me make this clear: I have spent a year working with Cristiano and there is no problem here,” he said. “I have had problems with many players, so do not try to turn things that do not exist into a crisis.”

Jesus added that the same rules applied to every player, although a footballer’s status and history could influence how a manager handled decisions before a match.

“The rules are the same for everyone,” he said. “But a player’s standing allows the coach, based on his history, to be cautious with decisions before the game.”

He also explained that Ronaldo had completed an adjusted training programme rather than refusing to work.

“Cristiano trained in the gym, did movement exercises on the pitch and then completed strengthening work at the hotel,” Jesus said. “He did not refuse to train.”

The Portugal Football Federation president joined the squad in Denmark to establish what had happened after reports circulated in Portugal.

“Of course he should be here with the team,” Jesus said. “He wanted to know what had happened because of what was being discussed in Portugal.”

“But after dinner, we had already resolved the matter, because there was no problem in the first place.”

Portugal began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Wales before beating Norway 2-1 in the second round. They lead Group D with six points, with Wales, Denmark and Norway completing the group.