In his post-match press conference, Portugal coach Fernando Santos made a startling statement in defense of his choice to bench the country's all-time leading scorer against Spain.
After his side scored a late equalizer against Spain, the Portugal manager defended his choice to sideline Cristiano Ronaldo.
After his side scored a late equalizer against Spain, the Portugal manager defended his choice to sideline Cristiano Ronaldo.
Fernando Santos defended his decision to sit Cristiano Ronaldo out of Portugal's Nations League match against Spain, claiming that his teammate can "do things he can't."
As each team kicked off, Portugal's manager elected to start Ronaldo on the bench after his side nicked a late goal in a 1-1 draw against Spain.
Despite the several chances produced, the Spanish national team had to settle for a draw as Ricardo Horta scored his maiden goal for the country late in the game. The game took a significant turn when Portugal's all-time leading scorer came off the bench to give his countrymen a boost.
Despite the shift in dynamic when he stepped onto the pitch, the Portuguese manager insists it was the right decision to start the 37-year-old on the bench. "It was only one choice-a manager's decision, a tactical one," the 67-year-old manager remarked in his post-match press conference.
This is how the results of our games will be determined. I thought it was critical to start a player like Andre [Silva] in this game. He is a strong worker who closes in behind the defense and can do a couple things that Cristiano [Ronaldo] cannot.
Andre Silva started for Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo coming in later in the game.
Andre Silva started for Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo coming in later in the game.
Cristiano can do so much more, which is why he is the best player on the planet, but this was my selection this time. During the following three games, I'll rotate the players a lot.
Portugal has three games left to play.
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The forward's contract expires at the end of next season, and he appears to be on his way out as reports of a move to Bayern Munich became true, with the German champions offering him roughly £17 million per year, or around £325,000 per week.
The demands of the Senegalese international are comparable to those of Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, who wants to earn roughly £400,000 per week.
Both are turning 30 this summer, and with time running out, they both consider their next deal as the most crucial and significant of their careers. Both believe they have joined the ranks of players such as Robert Lewandowski, Kevin De Bruyne, Cristiano Ronaldo, Antoine Griezmann, and David de Gea, who all make in excess of £350,000 per week.
When it comes to expensive wages, Liverpool is much more hesitant than the free-spending Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Barcelona. They have a well-defined pay system that includes performance-based bonuses.
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