FIFA World Cup 2022: That is still something that has to be defined – Fernando Santos on Cristiano Ronaldo’s role

Portugal’s manager Fernando Santos has revealed Ronaldo’s role in the team is ‘still to be defined’. Santos dropped a bombshell when he didn’t name Ronaldo in the starting XI in the Round of 16 match against Switzerland on Tuesday at the Lusail Stadium.

Santos had shown his disapproval after Ronaldo’s frustrating reaction when he was subbed off in the last Group stage match against South Korea.

Meanwhile, in place of Ronaldo, Santos named Goncalo Ramos, who scored a hat-trick against the Swiss team and came up with a scintillating performance.

Ronaldo was given his chance on the pitch when he replaced Ramos in the 73rd minute of the game. Santos revealed he has a very good relationship with Ronaldo and the disciplinary matter has been resolved between them.

Santos said: “That is still something which has to be defined. I have a very close relationship with him, I always have. I’ve known him since he was 19 at Sporting and then he started to develop in the national squad when I arrived in 2014.

“Ronaldo and I never misinterpret the human and personal aspect with that of manager and player. I will always consider that he is a very important player to have on the team.

“This [disciplinary matter] is something that is finished and solved, it is also important to look at the example of this player’s history. He is one of the best players in the world and therefore all we have to do is come [together] collectively.”

When asked to explain why Ronaldo was kept on the bench, Santos revealed it was a tactical call from him.

“Andre [Silva] who is a great player who plays more advanced, Cristiano is more fixed, he stays in a more determined area towards the box. Goncalo has different characteristics. He is very dynamic and the observations I made and that is what he ended up showing us.

“It is nothing new, he already came on in two matches, but I would say as Andre also played in a previous match, I have three players I fully trust. For each match I will use which player I see for my strategy. All the players on the bench can be used [against Morocco [even] if they are not in the starting XI.”

On the other hand, Ramos heaped praise on Cristiano Ronaldo and said the Portuguese captain is always helping him and other players.

“Not even in my wildest dreams did I think about being part of the starting team for the knockout stage,” Ramos said. “Cristiano Ronaldo talks to me and everyone in the team. He’s our leader and always tries to help.

“I don’t know if I will start the next game, that’s up to the coach. I have to work as hard as I can and then we’ll see.”

Portugal will face Morocco on Saturday in the quarterfinal.