Portugal coach Fernando Santos mentioned his resolution to depart Cristiano Ronaldo out of his workforce for Tuesday’s 6-1 overcome Switzerland within the World Cup final 16 had been “strategic and nothing extra.”
Santos had expressed his unhappiness with Ronaldo’s response to being suspended within the ultimate group stage sport towards South Korea however he mentioned that matter had no impression.
“I mentioned that it was closed and it was closed. Cristiano Ronaldo is likely one of the greatest gamers on the earth enjoying professionally and as a captain … so we now have to simply take into consideration this workforce collectively,” he mentioned.
Watch: Ronaldo’s substitute Ramos scripts historical past with hat-trick vs Switzerland
Requested whether or not it was essentially the most troublesome resolution of his profession to depart out Ronaldo, Santos mentioned: “I’ve a really shut relationship I at all times have, identified him since he was 19 at Sporting, after which for years right here within the nationwide squad,” he mentioned.
“Ronaldo and I by no means confuse the human and private side with the coach and participant relationship. He’s an important participant to have within the workforce,” he mentioned.
In the meantime, Ronaldo’s substitution, a 21-year-old Ramos, shattered information on his approach to a World Cup hat-trick as Portugal romped Switzerland 6-1 to storm into the quarter-finals the place they are going to face Morocco.
Santos mentioned he anticipated a “very troublesome” sport towards Morocco within the quarter-finals however mentioned his workforce have been clearly in good type.
“If we will proceed like this and enhance some issues then that may be a good path,” he added.