Portuguese coach Fernando Santos did not want to say much about his future as a choice lord after the World Cup elimination against Morocco. Santos did comment on his decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo again. Ronaldo left the field in tears after the defeat.
Santos was asked questions about his future as national coach at the press conference after the game. “Do I have to hand in my resignation? I don’t think about that. I have been national coach of Portugal since 2014 and have always had good conversations with the association in all those years,” said Santos, who became European champion with Portugal in 2016.
“This is not the time to answer questions about my future. We will fly back to Lisbon tomorrow and then we will discuss what is best for Portugal and for this team,” said the 68-year-old Portuguese, who in the past was at the helm of FC Porto and Sporting Portugal, among others.
Santos does not regret the decision not to let Ronaldo start in the base for his 196th international match after the elimination. “No, I’m not sorry. The team did really great against Switzerland without him. Cristiano is a great player and he realized we needed him during the game. I don’t regret anything,” Santos said.
The national coach of Portugal once again had to pay the price according to Ronaldo’s partner and sister, who also spoke earlier about the reserve role of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner against Switzerland. “Your friend and coach made another wrong decision today,” writes girl-friend Georgina on Instagram. “A friend you admired and respected so much. You can’t underestimate the best player in the world and the most powerful weapon you have, just as you can’t stand up for someone who doesn’t deserve it. Life offers us lessons: today we don’t lose, today we learn.”
“I look forward to seeing who is held responsible for this defeat,” Ronaldo’s sister Katia wrote on Instagram. “Some people have to fear for their jobs, because now is not the time. To continue down this road with their heads held high. My heart breaks, but we will support you brother, until the end.”
