Jorge Jesus stands by Ronaldo comments after Portugal win over Denmark

Jorge Jesus says he has no regrets over his comments about discipline within the Portugal squad after Cristiano Ronaldo left the team’s camp.

The Portugal manager was speaking after his side beat Denmark 4-2 on Thursday evening in the third round of the Nations League group stage.

Jesus caused controversy before the match when he said every player must follow the same rules, regardless of their status. His remarks were followed by Ronaldo’s departure from the camp, with reports suggesting the forward is close to announcing his international retirement.

“I can promise whatever I want. I am the coach,” Jesus said before the game. “I told a player he would not start the match and would be on the bench. If I need him for 30 minutes, he will play. If I do not need him, he will not play.

“No player will change my thinking – not him or anyone else in football, not even a president. That will never happen.”

Asked by Portuguese newspaper A Bola whether he regretted those comments, Jesus replied: “No, absolutely not. I do not regret it and I still think in the same way.

“There are players who have a special status, that is completely clear, but I repeat that the rules are the same for everyone. I have always thought this way and I must continue to think this way.”

Jesus rejects claims of fan hostility

Jesus also addressed reports that he had been booed by Portugal supporters as the team left its hotel and during the match.

“I did not hear any boos from the Portuguese fans, even though I was close to them,” he said. “I did not hear anything like that from the Portuguese.”

He added that maintaining a connection with supporters was essential, whether or not the team won.

“The most important thing after a victory, and even when you do not win, is to respect the fans. That is essential to maintain their connection with the national team.”

Jesus said Portuguese supporters living abroad often felt an especially strong bond with their country.

“For the past six or seven years, I have been an expatriate,” he said. “When you live outside your homeland, you do not become less Portuguese; perhaps you feel an even greater sense of belonging.

“These people are connected to our flag and our country, and that must be valued.”

‘I played the drum with Ronaldo’

Jesus explained that his decision to move towards the supporters during the celebrations was not unusual and was something he had done with previous teams.

“If you look at my coaching career, you will see that I did the same thing with other teams,” he said. “At Al Nassr, I did it too. When we won, I played the drum with Cristiano.”

He was referring to Al Nassr’s established post-match celebrations, which Ronaldo leads with the supporters following victories.

“My relationship with the fans is extremely close, but it is different when it concerns Portugal,” Jesus said.

The manager ended by praising Portugal’s performance, saying the team had shown quality, maturity, clear ideas and a willingness to take risks.

“I think you journalists are very happy that Portugal showed quality in its play, and that it is a mature team with clear ideas and confidence in its ability to put them into practice on the pitch,” he said.

“That is a coach’s life: winning, victory. That is a coach’s life.”