Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus have held talks to clear the air after a tense few days around the national team.
Ronaldo was an unused substitute as Portugal beat Norway 2-1 in the Nations League on Sunday. He had warmed up during the match but was not brought on by Jesus.
The decision drew attention in Portugal, with reports suggesting Ronaldo had expected to play in Oslo. SIC reported that Ronaldo had agreed with Jesus to feature only in Portugal’s home matches during the international break. Jesus later changed his plan and told the forward he could play the final 30 minutes in Norway, according to the report.
However, Ronaldo remained on the bench. He then went straight to the dressing room after the final whistle.
The situation became more noticeable when Ronaldo did not take part in Portugal’s group training in Malmö on Tuesday. The Portuguese Football Federation said there was no injury concern. Ronaldo instead completed an individual gym session at the team hotel.
Reports in Portugal said the episode led to discussions between Ronaldo and Jesus. The two have since spoken again, with the meeting understood to have helped ease the situation.
Portugal are preparing to face Denmark on Thursday. Jesus is in his first international camp as head coach after taking charge of the national team.
The 72-year-old coach also worked with Ronaldo at Al Nassr before taking the Portugal job.
Ronaldo remains an important figure for Portugal, but his role under Jesus has already attracted attention. Jesus has said he will consider the forward’s physical condition and the needs of each match when deciding his role.
The Portugal camp will now turn its focus to Denmark as the team look to maintain their strong start under their new coach.
