WHAT HAPPENED?
Ronaldo praised the job Martinez has done in charge of Portugal and noted the Spanish coach’s passion and commitment to the country as a key measure of his success in charge. The legendary forward added that he did not understand why people continue to criticise Martinez, especially given their place in the Nations League final, and believes he is the right man to continue with this group of players. Ronaldo labelled the criticism as a lack of respect and argued that there were more important things than just winning.
WHAT RONALDO SAID
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Speaking ahead of the Nations League final, as per O Jogo, Ronaldo said: “If a coach reaches the final, it is because he has done an excellent job. Questioning someone who has a spectacular record for Portugal makes me confused, but I understand. If a coach gets to the final and he is questioned, imagine the others. There has been a bit of a lack of respect in this regard. Talking about other coaches is a lack of sense, but the coach has done an extraordinary job.
“Even when you win, there is this debate, but it is part of the parrots who are at home and give their opinion. What we have to say is that we are very happy with the work that the coach has done, because arriving with a different nationality, speaking our language, singing our anthem with a passion that I see, that is what I value most. The rest doesn’t matter at all. The results are very positive, regardless of whether we win or not. There will always be debate, but, for me, it makes no sense at all.”
WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO AND MARTINEZ?
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Portugal take on Spain in the Nations League final in Munich on Sunday night. Ronaldo and Martinez will hope that victory against the European champions will strengthen their ambitions as the men to lead Portugal to the World Cup in 2026. Both nations are looking to win their second Nations League trophy.
