Does Jorge Jesus Miss Cristiano Ronaldo? His Response After Portugal's Humiliating Defeat
Portugal suffered a crushing 4-1 home defeat to Denmark, their first match since Cristiano Ronaldo announced his international retirement. After the game, head coach Jorge Jesus was asked whether he missed the forward, and his response brought renewed attention to the relationship between the two.
Portugal's heavy defeat to Denmark left Jorge Jesus facing questions about his team's performance. But one of the most notable exchanges after the match concerned a player who was no longer part of the squad.
Asked whether he missed Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese coach replied:
"Do I miss Cristiano Ronaldo? How can I miss him if he's no longer with the national team? Only if it's to keep me company."
Jesus then made his position clear.
"He doesn't play anymore. He's not here anymore. He's already made his decision about his situation."
The comments came after Portugal's first match since Ronaldo announced his international retirement on November 5, following disagreements with the national team coach.
The former Real Madrid forward ended his international career at 41, having made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals, both national-team records.
Denmark Hand Portugal a Heavy Defeat in Braga
Ronaldo's absence coincided with a difficult night for Portugal in the UEFA Nations League.
Playing at the Estadio Municipal de Braga, the hosts struggled to create chances and contain Denmark's attacks.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg opened the scoring from the penalty spot shortly before halftime.
Things got worse for Portugal after the break.
Rasmus Hojlund doubled Denmark's lead in the 50th minute, finishing a well-worked move after Mikkel Damsgaard delivered a cross to the far post.
Seven minutes later, Hojlund struck again. The forward collected a through ball from Hojbjerg, beat defender Renato Veiga and completed his brace.
Jesus turned to his bench, introducing João Palhinha, Francisco Trincão and Carlos Forbs, who wore the No. 7 shirt previously associated with Ronaldo.
But the changes could not stop Denmark.
Joachim Andersen made it 4-0 with a header from a free kick in the 75th minute, before Bernardo Silva scored a late consolation goal for Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo Honored Despite Missing the Match
Although Ronaldo was not in Braga, his presence was felt throughout the evening.
Before kickoff, Portugal's players walked onto the pitch wearing shirts featuring his iconic No. 7.
The tributes continued once the match began.
In the seventh minute, supporters at the Estadio Municipal de Braga rose to their feet and applauded the former captain.
Fans also shouted Ronaldo's famous "SIU" celebration as the stadium screens displayed a message reading "Thank you, captain."
A large banner expressing appreciation for the forward was also displayed in the stands.
The tributes highlighted Ronaldo's importance to Portuguese soccer, even as the national team began life without him.
Portugal Still Have a Chance to Secure First Place
Despite the defeat, Portugal have already secured qualification for the next stage of the Nations League.
They will travel to Cardiff to face Wales on Tuesday, needing only a draw to finish top of Group.
Denmark, meanwhile, sit three points behind Portugal and will face Norway with a chance to secure qualification and potentially challenge for first place.
Three Talking Points From Portugal's Difficult Night
- Jorge Jesus' response: the coach said he could not miss Ronaldo as a player because the forward was no longer part of the national team.
- Denmark's 4-1 victory: Portugal endured a heavy home defeat in their first match since Ronaldo's international retirement.
- A tribute to No. 7: Portugal's players wore Ronaldo's number before kickoff, while supporters honored him with a standing ovation in the seventh minute.
