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Why I didn’t substitute Ronaldo against DR Congo – Martinez
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Sports

Why I didn’t substitute Ronaldo against DR Congo – Martinez

From Vanguard · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Portugal coach Roberto Martínez defended his decision to play Cristiano Ronaldo for the entire match against DR Congo.
  • The coach stated that Ronaldo's presence was important for the team during the 1-1 draw.
  • Martínez's stance comes amid criticism of the veteran forward's performance and the decision not to substitute him.

Portugal's head coach, Roberto Martínez, has publicly defended his choice to keep veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo on the field for the entirety of their recent 1-1 draw against DR Congo. This decision has faced considerable backlash, with many questioning the 39-year-old's performance and Martínez's management.

Martínez asserted that Ronaldo's inclusion was crucial for the team's dynamics during the match. He emphasized that the player's experience and presence were vital, despite the growing public and media scrutiny. The coach's firm stance suggests a continued belief in Ronaldo's contribution to the national team.

The coach's comments aim to quell the rising criticism, highlighting his strategic reasoning behind the decision. While the exact nature of the "growing backlash" is not detailed, it is clear that Ronaldo's role and performance remain a significant talking point for Portuguese football followers.

I didn’t substitute Ronaldo against DR Congo.

— Roberto MartínezPortugal head coach explaining his decision regarding Cristiano Ronaldo's playing time.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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