Jorge Jesus Says Ronaldo Must Earn Portugal Starting Place
Jorge Jesus has begun his Portugal tenure by making clear that Cristiano Ronaldo’s captaincy and decorated career will not guarantee him a place in the starting XI for the UEFA Nations League.
The 72-year-old named a 25-man squad for Portugal’s opening Group A4 matches and set out a selection policy based solely on present standards in training and games. Ronaldo, despite his five Ballon d’Or awards, will be assessed under the same criteria as every other player.
Jesus said Ronaldo would start when his performances merit it and would be left out when they do not, stressing that past honours would have no influence on his choices. The coach also indicated that personal targets, including the prospect of reaching 1,000 career goals, should be pursued primarily in club football rather than becoming a national-team priority.
Having previously worked with Ronaldo, Jesus did not believe a private meeting was necessary before unveiling his first group. His wider message was that no member of the squad would be exempt from competition for places.
A different attacking framework
Jesus is also preparing to move Portugal away from the structure used by Roberto Martinez. His preferred shape includes two central forwards rather than an additional midfielder, with João Félix and Rafael Leão expected to have defined roles through the middle.
Félix will not be used as a wide attacker in Jesus’s plans. The new coach sees him as either the lead striker or a supporting forward, while Leão is also viewed as a central option rather than solely a player for the flank.
Portugal have 13 players in the selection who have worked with Jesus before, giving the coach a core group familiar with his methods as he attempts to introduce the new approach quickly.
Portugal’s Nations League schedule
The holders start their Group A4 defence at Lisbon’s José Alvalade Stadium against Wales on September 24. They then travel to Norway on September 27 and Denmark on October 1.
The first set of fixtures concludes on October 4, when Portugal welcome Norway to the Estádio do Dragão.
