Portugal’s boss unhappy with Ronaldo’s reaction at being substituted

Ronaldo and Portugal celebrating Euro 2016 victory against France
Ronaldo and Portugal celebrating Euro 2016 victory against France | Photo Credit: IMAGO

Portugal coach Fernando Santos has revealed he was not happy with Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction when he was brought off in his side’s clash with South Korea.

The 37-year-old reacted angrily to being substituted last time out in his team’s 2-1 defeat by South Korea.

He has one goal so far, even though he has started every group match for Portugal. But following his reaction at being taken off, his coach has refused to confirm if he will start their last-16 clash with Switzerland tonight.

Speaking about his plans for the Switzerland game, Santos said via Sportsmail;

“If I see the images, yes, I didn’t like it, not at all. I really didn’t like it,” Santos said of Ronaldo’s reaction to going off. 

“Everything is finished, full stop, regarding that issue and now we have to think about the match and everyone is focused on the match. 

“I only decide who is going to be the captain when I reach the stadium, so I don’t know the line-up.

“That’s what I’ve always done, and that’s what I’m always going to do. It’s going to be the same with this match.”

Meanwhile, a poll published in the newspaper A Bola has claimed 70 percent of readers want Rónaldo to be dropped against Switzerland. However, Santos has said he doesn’t care about outside polls and doesn’t want the distraction of being asked about Ronaldo in every press conference. 

“I do not read this type of information. It’s not a lack of respect, but I am focused on my team. We only have three days to prepare for our match.

“We are focusing on training. I’m not paying attention to polls or any other business. What I have always done is focus on the immediate match. I am not worried whether the information is right or wrong.”