Portugal and Norway faced each other in the UEFA Nations League A League. Portugal beat Norway 2-1 in the match played at Estadio Do Dragao.
Norway's goal came from Kristoffer Ajer in the 36th minute, while Portugal's goals were scored by Joao Cancelo in the 38th minute and Gonçalo Ramos in the 79th minute.
Jorge Jesus' statements after the win are as follows:
"AS A TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, I HAVE SOME PRINCIPLES AND THESE ARE NOT OPEN TO DISCUSS"
When you opened the door to the national team for Ronaldo, was it to compete or to say goodbye?
"I don't know what Ronaldo might decide. I have already said what I have to say, but I will add one more thing. For me, this was never a problem in the beginning. As a coach, I considered it normal. To have a player who is a symbol like him for the country and the national team... I have some principles as a coach and they are not open to discussion. But since there is no special situation in terms of my authority, Ronaldo is in the next national team squad, if he continues to play for Al Nassr and wants to return to the national team, he is a caller for me." will be an actor.
"THE SITUATION IS DIFFERENT WHEN IT IS A MATTER OF RONALDO"
In my opinion, he cannot be held accountable by citing a one-year friendship due to an incomprehensible situation. Just because he is, maybe because he is a symbol, this whole problem has been created about whether he should enter the game or not, whether he should warm up, etc. How many players warmed up today and did not enter the game? Will there be a problem? No. The situation is different when it comes to Ronaldo, because he is a symbol. But is this a problem? It was no problem for me. If Ronaldo wants and continues to play for Al Nassr, he will be in the next national team squad. We talked before this lineup and we can talk before the next lineup. But it is Ronaldo who will decide.
"THIS IS NOT A DECISION I WOULD MAKE"
Does it make sense to maintain uncertainty until the next national team squad?
“This is not my decision to make. In order for there to be an agreement between two people, two people need to talk and come to a common decision.
"I DO NOT ASK ANYONE WHO THEY WANT, I DO NOT ASK ANYONE WHO WILL PLAY"
Do you agree with Bruno Fernandes' statement?
"I completely agree with what Bruno Fernandes said. That was my opinion. One of the things I told Ronaldo was that he couldn't lose in the World Cup and say goodbye to the national team crying. He had to finish his national team career by playing. That's why he played in the first match at the Alvalade Stadium and had to play here today. However, everything turned out differently because of what happened. I am the national team coach, I call whoever I want. I don't ask anyone who they want, I don't ask anyone who will play. There are some things I can't give up." There are principles and boundaries that should not be crossed. I don't know how I can be more clear than that.
"THE ISSUE BETWEEN US HAS BEEN EXHAUSTED MORE THAN NECESSARY"
Is there a message you would like to give to families and young people?
"For a year, I shared the symbol of Cristiano as a player and the value he represents, especially for children. He is a global role model. That's why I said after the game that Cristiano would not return to the national team unless he wanted to. That's not the point from my point of view. The issue between us has been exaggerated too much. Many people involved in this issue have made it seem like a problem when there is none. How did it become such a problem for a coach to warm up a player with a different status and then not let him into the game?
Do you think this is a sufficient reason for everything to suddenly end like this, because of the symbol value Cristiano has? I want him to be here. He also knows that this will end one day. This won't last forever. But I want him to complete his national team career the way he wants. He is the one who will decide. Our conversation was like this. In the first national team squad, I said to him, 'I need you.' I need you whether he plays or not. I say the same thing now.
"WHY SHOULD I APOLOGIZE?"
What happened with Ronaldo?
"I won't apologize to anyone. The problem that started all this was the player's warm-up. I take responsibility for the decision and what happened. But why would I apologize? To whom? This is not right. Why should I apologize? What was the issue that required an apology?"
