FIFA World Cup: The dialog has not come up, says Portugal coach Fernando Santos on Cristiano Ronaldo row

Portugal coach Fernando Santos has performed down the controversy surrounding star ahead Cristiano Ronaldo by saying the dialog has not come up but. Portugal are set to face Ghana of their opening Group H encounter.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Nov 24, 2022 04:06 IST

Santos performs down Cristiano Ronaldo controversy in Portugal camp (AP)

By India Today Web Desk: Portugal coach Fernando Santos has performed down the controversy surrounding star ahead Cristiano Ronaldo by saying the dialog has not come up but. Portugal are set to face Ghana of their opening Group H encounter.

Speaking forward of their sport, Santos stated the dialog relating to Ronaldo’s row with Manchester United has not come up, insisting the staff is concentrated on coaching collectively.

“I think this is something that hasn’t even been discussed. There has been no comment about that in our time together, whether on the pitch, where we were training or whenever we are resting, whenever we are together. Today we had all 20 players playing and practicing. The conversation has not come up at any moment, not even from him,” stated Santos.

The Portuguese head coach stated the staff’s focus is on having an important spirit forward of their opening match within the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

“Now, if they’re talking about that when they’re in their rooms alone, I can’t say. I mean, the players have the time for themselves to do whatever it is that they want. Now, the important thing is that the players are absolutely focused with a great spirit. They’re very convinced about what they must do and what their objectives are. You see what they expect and the struggles they face. They’re very realistic about the challenges that they’ll be facing, starting with the first game against Ghana. To win a competition of this magnitude is difficult, whatever the squad may be and whatever the situation may be,” Santos added.

Portugal have been drawn alongside Ghana, South Korea, and two-time World champions Uruguay in Group H. They will face Ghana of their opening match and look to get off to a profitable begin within the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Edited By:

Rounaq Sehrawat

Published On:

Nov 24, 2022