Portugal trainer Fernando Santos stated his determination to depart Cristiano Ronaldo out of his workforce for Tuesday’s 6-1 conquer Switzerland within the World Cup final 16 have been “strategic and nothing more.”
Santos had expressed his disappointment with Ronaldo’s response to being suspended within the ultimate team degree sport towards South Korea however he stated that subject had no have an effect on.
“I said that it was closed and it was closed. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world playing professionally and as a captain … so we have to just think about this team collectively,” he stated.
Watch: Ronaldo’s substitute Ramos scripts historical past with hat-trick vs Switzerland
Asked whether or not it used to be essentially the most tricky determination of his profession to depart out Ronaldo, Santos stated: “I have a very close relationship I always have, known him since he was 19 at Sporting, and then for years here in the national squad,” he stated.
“Ronaldo and I never confuse the human and personal aspect with the coach and player relationship. He is a very important player to have in the team,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s substitute, a 21-year-old Ramos, shattered data on his solution to a World Cup hat-trick as Portugal romped Switzerland 6-1 to hurricane into the quarter-finals the place they’ll face Morocco.
Santos stated he anticipated a “very difficult” sport towards Morocco within the quarter-finals however stated his workforce had been obviously in excellent shape.
“If we can continue like this and improve some things then that is a good path,” he added.