Conceicao says Portugal are not forcing play through Ronaldo
The winger defended Portugal’s approach after criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in a 1-1 World Cup draw with DR Congo.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Francisco Conceicao said Portugal’s players do not feel compelled to direct attacks through Cristiano Ronaldo, defending the team’s approach after a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their World Cup opener. His comments, reported by AFP, come as Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s attack faces scrutiny before Tuesday’s Group K match against Uzbekistan in Houston.
Ronaldo, now 41, played the full match against DR Congo but had limited involvement, according to AFP. The report said his 25 touches were his fewest in a full match at a major tournament for Portugal.
Conceicao told reporters Sunday that teammates choose passes based on positioning rather than status. “We don’t feel the need to pass him the ball,” he said. “I pass it to whoever I think is in the best position and unmarked.”
The Juventus winger described Ronaldo as one part of a wider group, while also praising the captain’s career and scoring record. Conceicao said Portugal need “every individual for the collective to function” and called Ronaldo “an example” because of his longevity, leadership and continued appetite to compete.
“There is no one like him when it comes to scoring goals,” Conceicao said, according to AFP. “He is here to help, just like any other player.”
Pressure builds after opening draw
AFP reported that critics have questioned whether Ronaldo’s reduced mobility is affecting Portugal’s chances after the draw with DR Congo. The result left Portugal seeking a win against Uzbekistan to steady its Group K campaign.
Conceicao acknowledged that Portugal’s performance fell short. “No one takes it harder than we do,” he said. “We felt firsthand that we didn’t do our job in the best possible way.”
He said more criticism would follow if results did not improve, adding that Portugal want to show their quality and win the next match. Portugal face Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday, according to AFP.
The scrutiny around Ronaldo has also been sharpened by comparisons with Lionel Messi, AFP reported. Messi, 38, scored three times a day earlier as defending champion Argentina beat Algeria 3-0.
Henry and Sutton question Ronaldo’s role
Former France striker Thierry Henry criticized Ronaldo after the draw, speaking on Fox. “The team needs to score, not you need to score,” Henry said.
DR Congo midfielder Ngalayel Mukau was asked after the Houston match whether his team had a specific plan for Ronaldo. “Not really,” Mukau said, according to AFP. “We know he’s no longer the same player as before and that he’s older now.”
Mukau added that Ronaldo could no longer produce the same physical output at his age, while saying he had “tremendous respect” for him.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has also faced criticism, according to AFP, with some pundits saying he appeared reluctant to substitute Ronaldo. Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton, speaking on the BBC, criticized Martinez for removing midfielder Vitinha in the 83rd minute while keeping Ronaldo on the field.
“He’s scared to take him off,” Sutton said, according to AFP. Sutton also said the game had passed Ronaldo by during the match.
AFP noted that Portugal have attacking alternatives, including Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos, who came on for Vitinha against DR Congo and is a natural centre-forward.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.