Bruno Fernandes has slammed fellow teammate Cristiano Ronaldo’s claim that new manager Roberto Martinez has been a “breath of fresh air” for the team.
New manager Roberto Martinez had labeled Cristiano Ronaldo as the leader of the squad. Ronaldo also spoke about the new influence of the new manager. Speaking to the media, his words were, “It’s a new chapter for everyone, for the players, the staff, and the country. We feel good energy. It’s a breath of fresh air.”
What did Bruno Fernandes say about Cristiano Ronaldo’s claim?
Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes, on the other hand, has downplayed Martinez’s impact, maintaining that the atmosphere in the Portugal squad “has always been good.” When asked if he agreed with Ronaldo’s evaluation, the Manchester United star told Portuguese television station RTP3 otherwise. He said, “No, it’s just a new coach with new ideas. There is no breath of fresh air at all. It’s just a transition period. The atmosphere in the national team has always been good. There’s never been anything that wasn’t fresh of the air, so I think it’s just new dynamics, new coach, and you have to assimilate his ideas.”
Previously it was thought Ronaldo might retire from the national team. He was sidelined by the previous manager Fernando Santos in Portugal’s World Cup quarter-final game against Morocco. They went on to lose that game 1-0 and Ronaldo even left the pitch in tears. Many believed it to be his final World Cup appearance or even his last game for the national team.
Fernando Santos was sacked following his failure to lead Portugal to World Cup glory. The manager had brought Portugal and Ronaldo their first international trophy in the 2016 Euros. He then followed it up by winning the Nations League in 2019.
New manager Roberto Martinez was previously the manager of the Belgian national team. He had failed to win anything with Belgium’s Golden Generation. The Spanish coach stepped down from the role after Belgium failed to progress from the group stage in the last World Cup. Portugal then called Martinez to fill their empty manager seat. He has now managed them through their first games after the World Cup.
Martinez has had an excellent start to his new position, with Portugal winning 4-0 against Liechtenstein before crushing Luxembourg 6-0. Ronaldo struck twice in each game, including a stunning free-kick against Liechtenstein, bringing his international goal total to 122.
Fernandes will play for Manchester United against Newcastle United on Sunday, while Ronaldo will have a longer rest until next Tuesday when Al-Nassr will play Al-Adalah.
