Fernando Santos Explains Why he Benched Cristiano Ronaldo Against Switzerland

The head coach of Portugal, Fernando Santos has explained his reason for starring Cristiano Ronaldo from the bench against Switzerland.

By Ademola Bashorun

Cristiano Ronaldo

Rumors were making the media after the team list came out and Ronaldo’s name was not in the starting XI. Santos decided to play Goncalo Ramos ahead of Ronaldo for the Round of 16 clash.

He confirmed at the post-match press conference that there was no issue between himself and Ronaldo, despite the incident that happened in the final group game between Portugal and South Korea.

Cristiano and Ramos are different players. There is no problem with the captain of the national team. We’ve been friends for many years. He set the example of a captain.

Portugal thrashed Switzerland 6-1 giving them a quarter-final clash against Morocco on Saturday, December, 10th, 2022.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos on Cristiano Ronaldo benched: “Cristiano and Ramos are different players. There is no problem with the captain of the national team”. 🚨🇵🇹 #Qatar2022

“We've been friends for many years. He set the example of a captain”. pic.twitter.com/9Tjz5wHW98

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 6, 2022