Jorge Jesus asserts authority over Portugal team selection

Jorge Jesus, the coach of Portugal, insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo would not influence his tactical decisions, emphasizing his position as the final authority on team selection. These comments were made as the national team prepared for their UEFA Nations League match against Denmark on Thursday, October 6, 2026, at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.

Jesus stated that he had already informed Ronaldo, 41, that he would not start the matches against Norway and Denmark, explaining that he was managing the veteran forward's workload based on his physical condition. "I told him (Ronaldo) that he would not start the matches against Norway and Denmark. I worked for a year with Cris. I know his physical condition perfectly. I was already doing that in Saudi Arabia, when we were playing every three days…and I mentioned to him that he would be there where and when the need arose. And that is what happened," Jesus remarked.

In light of Ronaldo reportedly being unhappy after missing the match against Norway, Jesus affirmed that while he might make promises to players, he alone decides when they play. "I can promise whatever I want. I am the coach," he asserted. "I told the player that he would not start the match, and that he would be on the substitutes' bench. If I need him for 30 minutes then he will play, and if I do not need him then he will not play. There is no player who will change my ideas, neither him nor anyone else in football, not even any president, that will never happen."

Jesus, who has previously managed Sporting Lisbon and Benfica, noted that Ronaldo's status and achievements do not grant him any special treatment within the squad. He discussed that while status is appreciated, the same rules apply to everyone. "Status comes from his past and his career… One must pay attention, but I always decide according to the team's goal. I am the one who decides. Whoever has worked with me knows that. At the club, the president is the one who gives the orders, but in the team, I am the one who gives the orders."

When asked whether Ronaldo could replace first-choice striker Goncalo Ramos against Denmark, Jesus declined to commit, stating, "I do not know. It depends on the match."

Jesus' comments followed Ronaldo's frustration at being left out of the match against Norway. After not featuring in that game, Ronaldo also missed training on Monday and Tuesday. Jesus had indicated his intention to use Ronaldo during the Norway game but did not foresee him starting.

Post-match in Oslo, it was reported that Ronaldo proceeded directly from the substitutes' bench to the tunnel rather than joining teammates in recognizing the traveling Portuguese supporters. As Portugal approached their match against Denmark, Jesus continued managing Ronaldo’s participation with a focus on the team’s tactical framework.