Jesus says Ronaldo benched for tactical reasons
Jorge Jesus insisted it was a "tactical choice" to leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench during Portugal's Nations League victory over Norway.
Portugal won 2-1 at Ullevaal Stadion after goals from Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos, which came either side of a strike from Erling Haaland.
Joao Felix has now scored six goals in his last 11 games as a starter for Portugal as he continues to thrive under Jesus, whom he also worked under at Al-Nassr.
Portugal continued its perfect start to its Nations League title defence, even with Ronaldo unable to get minutes off the bench.
"It wasn't the right moment to bring Ronaldo into the game; it was a tactical choice," Jesus said. "I needed a player with different characteristics, but that doesn't mean he's out of the options. Perhaps he'll play against Denmark."
Although Haaland managed to score, Jesus was satisfied with the way his side defended against Norway.
"It was an excellent victory because we played against one of the best teams in Europe right now. They are in the top five, like Portugal," he said. "They have a striker who can score at any moment. It’s incredible.
"Our back line, and especially the two centre-backs, with the help of Joao Palhinha and Ruben Neves when they moved into the defensive phase, were very strong in the central corridor. Even so, Haaland had seven shots inside the box and scored once.
"We were once again organised defensively and more creative offensively, also with the introduction of new players.
"Offensively, we still lack ideas, there isn't yet a collective effort. It's normal: I haven't had time for that."
