Jorge Jesus: 'No player will ever change my mind'

The Cristiano Ronaldo situation dominated Portugal manager Jorge Jesus' press conference ahead of their Nations League matchday three clash against Denmark.

"It's not that I mind answering, but our focus is strictly on Denmark. It feels as if we're here for a meaningless friendly. The match is the main priority for both myself and my players, and it's far more important than this discussion. There is no controversy. I've already explained what happened, and I'll explain it once more. I don't shy away from issues; I've dealt with plenty throughout my career. But don't try to invent one here. I told Cris he wouldn't feature in these two games. During the match, I thought I might need him, so I had him warm up, but ultimately I chose not to bring him on. No player is happy after warming up for 20 or 30 minutes without getting onto the pitch. Let alone Cris. It would be the same for Pelé or Maradona: 'Warm up for 30 minutes—me, Pelé, or Maradona?' That's his standing. However, everyone is treated the same, and as manager, I decided against bringing him on," Jesus stated, clarifying his conversation with Ronaldo and the arrival of Portuguese FA president Pedro Proença in Denmark.

"They forced me to speak to Cris about an issue that was never really an issue. I said: 'Cris, there's so much noise in Portugal that we need to clear the air, though I don't really understand what is going on.' There was nothing to debate. What we discussed was exactly what he stated in his own press conference. He said: 'I'm here for you to make the call. If you want me to play, I'll play. If you want me in the stands, I'll sit in the stands.' The president travelled out, which is completely normal as he needs to be around the squad. Given the talk back in Portugal, he wanted to understand the situation. But by the time dinner was over, we had already resolved a problem that never existed in the first place," he added.

"I can make whatever call I see fit. I am the manager. I told the player he wasn't going to play: 'I'll have you on the bench; if I need you for 30 minutes, you'll play, otherwise you won't.' No player will ever change my mind. Not him, not anyone in football, and not any president. Never. Absolutely zero chance," he concluded.