Jorge Jesus defends decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus defended his decision to keep Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench after Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday, saying he “needed a player with different characteristics.” Jesus made the remarks following the match.

It was the first time in over 18 years that the 41-year-old was on the bench for a Nations League game and he did not enter the match. Jesus, who previously managed Ronaldo at Al Nassr, used all five permitted substitutes: Vitinha, Rafael Leão, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Neves and Francisco Trincão. Francisco Trincão replaced Goncalo Ramos in the 81st minute while Ronaldo remained unused.

Cristiano Ronaldo did not approach the Portugal supporters after the final whistle and proceeded straight down the tunnel. Jesus told Portuguese broadcaster RTP: "I had even agreed with him that he would come on in the last half hour, but the match did not require it."

Jesus added: "Goncalo Ramos was playing well, he had scored a goal and had another one ruled out." He went on to say: "I felt it was not the right moment to substitute him. It was not to protect him physically, because he was in the condition to play as long as I wanted."

"The match followed its course and it stopped being the opportune moment to bring on Cris. Instead, another player was necessary to guarantee balance and the result," Jesus said. A separate post of his words included: "I was thinking of Cristiano to come in… but then the game dictates other things."

Prior to Portugal’s 1-0 victory against Wales on Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo — the most-capped men’s player of all time with 234 appearances — said he had spoken with Jesus about his international future and that he would "finish [playing for Portugal] when I feel like I’m not doing anything here."

Jesus emphasised that Ronaldo remains a possibility for Thursday’s Nations League match against Denmark and said he was not selected because other players "got the job done."