Jesus: I will bear the criticism after Ronaldo retires

Criticism falls to the coach once Cristiano Ronaldo steps away from international duty, according to Portugal manager Jorge Jesus. He emphasized that honoring the forward is not his personal mandate but a matter for the federation, while affirming Ronaldo’s enduring status as a legend of Portuguese football.

Federation handles tribute plans

Speaking ahead of the UEFA Nations League match against Denmark at Braga Municipal Stadium, Jesus clarified that organizing any ceremony for Ronaldo lies with the Portuguese Football Federation. "This matter falls under the responsibility of the Portuguese Federation, specifically my football and sporting affairs departments, alongside the president of the federation," he said during the press conference.

The fifth-round fixture sees Portugal already qualified for the quarter-finals, needing just one point to secure top spot in Group 1 of League D. Despite this, Jesus praised the concept of recognizing Ronaldo’s contributions. "I think this idea is wonderful, as no one can forget the 23 years Cristiano spent with the national team, what he gave and what he represented in the world of football, whether with the national team or other clubs," he added.

Jesus highlighted his own professional history with the striker to underscore Ronaldo’s influence. "I didn't work with Cristiano for just a week, I spent a full year with him, and so I know very well how important he is, not only for the new players, but also for young people across the world," he continued. He noted that ensuring the public remembers Ronaldo’s legendary status remains vital, though future developments are uncertain.

Attacking options without Ronaldo

Asked about his offensive lineup in Ronaldo’s absence, Jesus compared forwards Gustavo Varela and Fabio Silva. He described Varela as an out-and-out striker similar to Gonçalo Ramos, while noting Silva possesses greater mobility and the ability to lead attacks independently. "And as I said, he often plays for Borussia Dortmund as a second striker, which is why we picked him in the first squad, because we saw that he has different characteristics from Cristiano and Gonçalo Ramos," Jesus explained.

Both players are still integrating into the national setup. Jesus acknowledged the difference between club and international management, stating, "The two players are still adapting to the national team, and I too am getting to know them and adapting to their abilities, because working with them within the national team is different from the nature of the work of Borussia Dortmund's coach, who knows his players better than I do, and that is natural."

Varela’s performance in Italy drew specific praise. "Gustavo Varela is having a good season in the Italian league, and he is the competition's top scorer, which is one of the five strongest league competitions in Europe," Jesus said. He expressed confidence in both forwards’ capacity to demonstrate the quality and passion inherent in the Portuguese squad.

Pressure on the coaching staff

Jesus addressed the scrutiny facing coaches when results dip. "The coach is always one of the main centres of attention, in my view, and I don't say he is the main focus, but he remains one of the people towards whom eyes are directed," he stated. He linked this pressure to high expectations, referencing teammate Bernardo Silva’s recent comments about reaching the World Cup final.

"When it comes to Portugal, which includes players of a high level, not achieving the objectives will put us under pressure... Winning is different from merely reaching, but we must reach the final. Portugal have previously won the European Championship, and so the national team always plays to win," Jesus went on. He concluded by noting his experience leading title-winning teams, adding, "If you don't win the trophies, the coach becomes the focus of criticism and bears responsibility for the negative aspects."