Ex-player suggests hidden tensions within Portugal squad over Ronaldo

Former Croatian national team player Vedran Ješe has offered an inside perspective on the Portuguese squad, suggesting that fatigue and potential dissatisfaction may be brewing beneath the surface ahead of their World Cup Round of 16 clash with Croatia.

Speaking on HRT's program "Americana," Ješe highlighted that while Portugal possesses a talented squad with high ambitions, internal issues could be a concern. He pointed to potential player fatigue, particularly among those who had demanding club seasons, citing Paris Saint-Germain's Vitinha as an example of a player who appears drained.

Ješe also delved into the dynamics surrounding star player Cristiano Ronaldo. He speculated that not all teammates might be entirely comfortable with Ronaldo's starting position or the attention he receives, even though on-field interactions often show unity. "Players might not be satisfied that he is in the starting 11 and he is not delivering what he expects," Ješe stated.

Drawing from his own experiences in professional football, Ješe explained that such tensions are often concealed from the public. "In those locker rooms, there is a lot of ego, but it is hidden from the public," he said. He believes that a significant portion of the Portuguese team might not be fully content with Ronaldo's current role, estimating that "90 percent of the team is not exactly thrilled with him."

Despite these observations, Ješe expressed a personal wish for Ronaldo to play against Croatia, believing Croatia's center-backs can handle him. He acknowledged Ronaldo's enduring threat in the penalty area, even if his overall mobility has decreased.

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Odnos s Ronaldom je posebna priča. Igrači možda nisu zadovoljni što on igra u prvih 11 i ne donosi mu ono što on očekuje