Portuguese player Bruno Fernandes disagrees with captain Cristiano Ronaldo’s claim that the new manager, Roberto Martinez, has given the club a “breath of fresh air.”

Recall that the Portuguese Football Association recently appointed Martinez as the new head coach of the national team, replacing Fernando Santos.

In his debut game in charge, Martinez guided Portugal to a 4-0 victory against Liechtenstein in a Euro 2024 qualifying match last week.

The former Belgium coach also led the team as they thrashed Luxembourg 6-0 in another Euro 2024 qualifier on Sunday.

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However, Ronaldo claimed there is “fresh air now, different ideas and mentality” with Martinez at the helm.

But, Fernandes asserted that, contrary to Ronaldo’s statement, the Selecao has never needed some fresh air and that this is because the squad is going through a change.

“No, it’s just a new coach with new ideas,” Fernandes told Portuguese television channel RTP3.

“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 has never been anything that was not fresh air, so I think it is just new dynamics, new coach, and you have to assimilate his ideas.”

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Portugal has confirmed the appointment of former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, who replaces Fernando Santos as head coach of the national team.

Santos was fired after Portugal’s disappointing performance at the World Cup, which ended in a 1-0 quarterfinal loss to Morocco. The camp had been marred by negative press and rumours of unrest in the team, and Cristiano Ronaldo had been benched and had a falling-out with Santos.

Martinez himself had a World Cup to forget with Belgium, who failed to even make it out of the group stage and also had a crisis within the squad – with the Spaniard criticised for struggling to make the most of his talented group during his six-year tenure with the side.

The former Everton manager is now looking forward to a new beginning with Portugal, who welcomed him as their “new leader at service.”

‘I appreciate the enthusiasm and ambition with which he (Martinez) received the invitation,’ FPF President Fernando Gomes told a news conference as Martinez stood next to him. ‘This is an important moment for the national team.’

Martinez‘ first task will be to help a deflated side regroup after their difficult tournament in Qatar and put their focus into winning Euro 2024, which is set to be held in Germany.

He will also be looking to speak with captain Ronaldo after his turbulent few weeks in Qatar where he is reported to have irked teammates over his attitude and threatened to leave their camp after being dropped by Santos.

Now at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo will be weighing up whether he will play for Portugal again and sorting out his future should be a huge port of call for Martinez.

Martinez stood down after Belgium were eliminated from the World Cup after they were held to a 0-0 draw against Croatia – with his team needing to win the game to have any chance of progessing.

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‘That was my last game with the national team and it was emotional as you can imagine,’ he said at the time. ‘I always work towards long-term projects and they need to be set in advance. That was always the plan.

He explained more about his decision to leave this month, saying he ‘couldn’t control all the emotions anymore’ as he revealed he told the players he was leaving before their final game against Croatia.

‘It was really difficult to get the message that I was going to stop,’ Martinez said.

‘To you, but certainly to the players. I had never done it before and hope I never have to do it again. I couldn’t control all the emotions anymore.’

Portugal fans may be concerned about Martinez’s ability to keep the dressing room together after reports of a feud in the squad during the World Cup.

There were claims that Belgium players flew home separately from Qatar at their own expense after rumours of in-fighting and leaks.

During his time as Belgium’s national coach, Martinez led the nation to their best World Cup finish, placing third in Russia in 2018.

Belgium suffered a quarter-final exit at Euro 2020 to eventual champions Italy, before leading the team at the World Cup in Qatar.

Despite entering the competition as FIFA’s second-ranked squad in the world, Martinez oversaw a disastrous campaign in which Belgium crashed out in the group stages after losing 2-0 to Morocco and just barely defeating Canada.

He began his managing career in 2007 with Swansea City, where he received praise for his dynamic possession-based style of play. In 2009, he moved on to manage Wigan Athletic. While the Lactics were demoted the following year, he faced relegation numerous times before securing an amazing FA Cup victory over Man City in 2013.

In his debut season with Everton, he finished in fifth place. However, he could only manage 11th the next year, and in 2015–16, his team was still in the middle of the table when he was fired in May.

Martinez was unexpectedly appointed as Belgium’s manager in 2016, but many observers and fans have questioned why he did not do more with a team that was stacked with talented players at the time, including Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, and Toby Alderweireld.

He has recently been connected to the Club Brugge position, but he decided to continue with managing the national team instead, with his old assistant Thierry Henry in line to succeed him.

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After being eliminated from the World Cup, Portugal have confirmed that Fernando Santos has left his position as manager

Santos led Portugal to victories in the 2016 and 2019 Nations Leagues, but he was unable to repeat those achievements in Qatar, as his team lost to Morocco in the quarterfinals following a challenging group stage that resulted in Cristiano Ronaldo being benched for the knockout rounds.

As the Portuguese FA (FPF) has officially announced his departure, the Santos era is finally finished.

“The Portuguese Football Federation and Fernando Santos agreed to end the highly successful journey that began in September 2014,” a statement read.

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“After one of the best participations ever by the National Team in the final stages of the World Championship, in Qatar, FPF and Fernando Santos understand that this is the right moment to start a new cycle.

“With Fernando Santos at the head of the National Team, our country won two international competitions for the first time: the unforgettable Euro 2016, in France, and the League of Nations, in 2019.

“In addition to the titles won, Fernando Santos became the coach with the most games and most victories. It was an honor to have a coach and a person like Fernando Santos at the head of the National Team.

“The FPF thanks Fernando Santos and his technical team for the services provided over eight unique years and believes that this thanks is also made on behalf of the Portuguese people.

“The FPF Board will now begin the process of choosing the next national coach.”

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Portugal manager Fernando Santos has dismissed reports of a rift with Cristiano Ronaldo after withdrawing his captain against Switzerland, claiming the five-time Ballon d’Or winner never threatened to leave the World Cup.

The 37-year-old Ronaldo was benched for the game and the Portuguese FA was obliged to refute claims that he had an altercation with his boss just hours before the crushing 6-1 victory against Switzerland in the round of 16.

Santos has now made it clear what exactly transpired between the two on Tuesday, saying that Ronaldo was not pleased to learn he would not start but maintained composure and accepted the outcome.

Asked for his version of events, Santos replied: ‘Yes we did have a conversation and it would be very bad if we had not had this conversation. Since I took the helm of the national team we talk and have a close relationship with the players, it’s normal and I’ve always done that throughout my career.

There are coaches who have a different approach, but that’s my approach, to talk to our players and to have a close relationship with them.

‘The conversation [with Ronaldo] needed to happen. It’s part of our basis. I don’t do it with all the players [when they are dropped] but he is the captain of our squad and you know what he represents for Portuguese football and for the Portuguese people.

‘Naturally I needed to talk to him. When we had this conversation it was on the day of the match, after lunch. I had not had any conversations with him before that, neither on Sunday or Monday. The only conversation I had with him was on that day, the day of the game, and I explained why he would not play.

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‘After lunch we met, I explained to him why he was not going to be one of the starters, because I did not want him to be surprised. I invited him into my office and said, “Listen, you are not going to start, I think you’ll be very important but in terms of strategy it’s better for you not to be on the field.”

‘We expected that the game would be more difficult and I wanted to save him for the second half if need be. I spoke to him naturally, as I always do with my players.

‘Cristiano for obvious reasons was not very happy about it, because he has always been the starting player – except for one or two games. Obviously he was not happy and he told me, “Do you really think it’s a good idea?”

‘But we had a normal conversation in which I explained my point of view and he accepted that. We had a frank and normal conversation.

‘He has never told me that he wanted to leave our national team and as Joao [Felix] said, I think it’s high time we stopped with this conversation and stopped with the attacks.

‘Ronaldo was the one who started warming up with the players even though he knew he was not going to start, he celebrated all the goals that were scored and at the end he was the one who invited the players to thank the fans. So I think it’s high time for you to leave Ronaldo alone and acknowledge all he has done for Portuguese football.’

Speaking alongside his manager, Felix had said of the Ronaldo stories: ‘I will not answer that question. I would just like to leave a message to all the Portuguese people, especially the press: Portugal is having a great competition, we have not reached the quarter-finals for a long time, and I think we should all be closer together and not trying to destabilise the environment in the national team.’

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The World Cup title is getting closer to view as the field gets smaller, and on Saturday at Al Thumama Stadium, trailblazers Morocco will take on quarterfinal adversaries Portugal.

The Atlas Lions, who are now competing for a spot in the final four, defeated Spain before convincingly winning on penalties to advance to this round for the first time, while the Selecao completely changed their game to defeat Switzerland in the round of 16.

• Team News:

Cristiano Ronaldo, who has played for Portugal the most times (195) and is the all-time leading scorer with 118 goals, is now starting at the front after being demoted in front of the entire nation on Tuesday. Goncalo Ramos, a fresh Selecao star, takes his place.

Joao Cancelo was also not selected by Fernando Santos for the match against Switzerland in favour of Raphael Guerreiro at left back and Diogo Dalot at right back.

Otavio, another of his less-noticed additions, should continue in midfield, and William Carvalho is hoping to fend off Ruben Neves for the Portuguese engine room.

Nuno Mendes had previously been ruled out of the knockout rounds due to injury, and Danilo is still uncertain. Ruben Dias should team up with Pepe, age 39, at the centre of the back four in place of the latter, who will likely be absent.

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Morocco has fielded a largely consistent XI throughout the finals, in contrast to some team shuffles by Portugal.

Walid Regragui is concerned about Nayef Aguerd of West Ham United’s fitness more than any other essential piece in his well-oiled machine.

The always-present centre defender is in a race against time after being replaced by captain Romain Saiss with a strapping on his leg during the win over Spain. In addition, Sofyan Amrabat, who had a back issue, played through the discomfort.

However, if everyone is available, a team led by attacking trio Sofiane Boufal, Hakim Ziyech, and Youssef En-Nesyri will resemble the one that defeated La Roja. Both full-backs have also had injury problems in Qatar.

• Possible Lineup:

Morocco’s possible starting lineup:
Bounou; Hakimi, Saiss, Aguerd, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal

Portugal’s possible starting lineup:
Costa; Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro; B. Silva, Carvalho, Otavio; Fernandes, Ramos, Felix

• Score prediction:

Yassine Bounou saved two penalties in the shootout against Spain, making him the hero, although he hasn’t been overused in open play. Only two teams have allowed fewer shots on goal than miserly Morocco at this year’s World Cup.

Portugal was relentless in an attack against the Swiss, but it was an offensive performance out of character for their tournament thus far. Portugal scored as many goals against Switzerland as they had totalled in the group stage.

Prediction: Morocco 1-1 Portugal (Portugal Wins With Penalty)

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Portugal has disputed accusations that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to quit the World Cup after being dropped by manager Fernando Santos against Switzerland.

The 37-year-old was unexpectedly left out of the starting lineup for his country’s thrashing 6-1 victory over the Swiss on Tuesday, with substitute Goncalo Ramos defending his manager’s choice by scoring a magnificent hat-trick.

Ronaldo entered the game as a late substitute but seemed out of breath. Instead of lingering on the field to celebrate with the team, he went straight down the tunnel after the final whistle.

Santos is believed to have been annoyed with Ronaldo’s reaction to being subbed in their group stage defeat to South Korea, with Portuguese channel CMTV claiming the former Manchester United forward said, ‘You’re in a f***ing hurry to take me off’ when he exited the pitch.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had also put his finger to his lips and shushed a South Korean player who wanted him to leave the field quicker, with Santos saying he ‘did not like’ the reaction afterwards.

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According to the Portuguese newspaper Record, it was after that drama that the veteran coach decided he would bench Ronaldo against Switzerland and the forward was livid when he was informed.

Incredibly, Record claim Ronaldo got into a heated row with Santos and threatened to leave the World Cup entirely, with the former Real Madrid superstar unhappy with the role he has been given at the tournament.

Ronaldo is said to have calmed down eventually and backtracked on his threat, though the Portuguese FA has now released a statement denying Record’s report.

‘News released on Thursday claims Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with national coach Fernando Santos,’ read the statement. ‘The FPF wants to clarify that at no time did national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo threaten to leave the national team during the tournament in Qatar.

‘Cristiano Ronaldo continues to build on his unique record of service to the national team, which should be respected and which attests to his unquestionable degree of commitment to the national team.’

The statement added: ‘The national team – players, coaches and the FPF structure – are fully committed and enthusiastic, as has been the case since day one, to building what we hope will be Portugal’s best ever World Cup.’

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Atletico Madrid chief executive Gil Marin has dropped a huge bombshell over the future of Portuguese superstar Joao Felix.

During Portugal’s 6-1 victory over Switzerland in the World Cup round of 16, the 23-year-old was in electric form, contributing two assists in a display of his brilliant ball skills.

But he has had trouble having the influence at Atletico Madrid that many had hoped he would have. He was bought from Benfica for an astounding €126 million (£113 million) in 2019, but Diego Simeone hasn’t always given him a regular spot in the team.

The relationship between the two has clearly deteriorated as the Argentine’s tactics have appeared to be at odds with Felix’s preferred style of play.

Felix, who is under contract with Atletico Madrid until 2026, is reportedly hoping to leave the club next year. Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Chelsea are all reportedly interested in him, but Atletico may not want to face a significant loss on their significant investment.

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The player’s desire to leave the Metropolitano Stadium, however, seemed to be confirmed by chief executive Marin, who suggested that Felix’s time at Atleti may be coming to an end.

“[Joao Felix] is the biggest bet this club has taken in its history. I personally think he’s a top talent, a world class player,” Marin told TVE.

“For reasons it isn’t worth getting into – the relationship between him and the boss [Simeone], the minutes played, his motivation right now – it makes you think that the reasonable thing is that if there’s an option that’s good for the player, good for the club, we can look at it. I’d love him to stay personally, but I don’t think that’s the player’s idea.”

In 94 La Liga appearances for Atleti over three and a half seasons, Felix has only scored 24 goals, and this season, across all competitions, he has only netted four goals.

He is, however, appearing to be a crucial component of Fernando Santos’ Portugal team, who will face Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday.

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Joao Felix, Pepe, and Goncalo Ramos were eager to play down any association between Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence and Portugal’s outstanding performance in the World Cup’s round of 16.

Ronaldo was shockingly benched by Fernando Santos for the match against Switzerland due to a streak of subpar performances and distracting behaviour.

In a 6-1 victory that seemed to demonstrate that Portugal are no longer dependent on their all-time leading scorer, 21-year-old Ramos entered the game and scored a hat-trick on his World Cup debut.

Ramos himself was the first to rally around Ronaldo after the match, saying: “He’s the captain, he’s the leader and we always look forward to playing side by side with him.”

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Another player Ronaldo’s absence appears to unleash was Felix, who did not get himself on the scoresheet despite a brilliant performance.

“It was a great game for the whole team,” Felix told RTP3. “We started well from the first minute. We played a complete game and when it’s like that it’s harder for someone to beat us.

“Whether Cristiano is there or not, the important thing is the team. The team also plays well when Ronaldo is there.”

Veteran defender Pepe concurred, and he quashed any rumours that Ronaldo was throwing any tantrums over the decision to drop him.

“He knows perfectly well that the most important thing is ‘us’,” Pepe said. “What happened today was the coach’s choice and must be respected.”

Pepe became the oldest person to ever score in a knockout stage game, making World Cup history for himself as well.

He rose to brilliantly head home a corner in the first half, although he was quick to praise hard effort on the training pitch.

”We’ve been working on it and in the first corner we were going to hit straight,” he said. “I was in the right place. The collective hard work paid off.”

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Fernando Santos, manager of Portugal, has claimed that his decision to rest Cristiano Ronaldo for their World Cup last-16 match against Switzerland was not a personal one.

News broke earlier on Tuesday that the ex-Man Utd forward would start from the bench after his petulant response to being substituted in the Selecao’s final group-stage match against South Korea.

Santos was questioned about his choice to switch out the 37-year-old with the untested Goncalo Ramos after the team advanced to the quarterfinals. Santos stated earlier this week that he was not a fan of Ronaldo’s actions after that defeat.

“Cristiano and Ramos are different players. There is no problem with the captain of the national team,” Santos said.

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“It was strategic. Players are different. I also started [Diogo] Dalot, Raphael [Guerreiro], however [Joao] Cancelo is a fabulous player. That’s what I thought for the game against Switzerland, in another game it might be different.”

Santos was pushed for a more detailed explanation behind his decision, replying: “Didn’t I already answer this question? There is no problem between Fernando Santos and the captain of the national team. We’ve been friends for many years and things don’t affect us. Coaches make decisions. I already explained, that part was completely resolved and he set an example of a great captain.”

Ramos, who scored a stunning hat-trick for Portugal in Ronaldo’s absence, became the youngest player since Pele to score three goals in the World Cup’s knockout rounds.

The offensive play of the Selecao was beautiful to watch. Ronaldo entered the game for the final 20 minutes and scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

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Group H champions Portugal will face Switzerland in the World Cup’s final round of 16 games at Lusail Stadium on Tuesday evening. When they face off, they are both looking to break incredible World Cup records.

A crucial spot in the quarterfinals is at stake as two teams who had quite different results in their final group matches square off in one of only two all-European matches in a diversified last 16.

Portugal had a strong start to their campaign for Qatar 2022, meaning that they only needed one point in the last round of group games to guarantee themselves the top spot and automatic entry into the knockout stages.

Fernando Santos led Portugal to the group stage of a major tournament four times in a row despite losing to South Korea in injury time. With a tense 3-2 victory over Serbia, Murat Yakin, who is managing his first international competition, managed Switzerland’s advancement to second place in Group G behind Brazil.

• Team News:

The last time Portugal played, Fernando Santos took advantage of the opportunity to make six changes to his starting lineup, but the renownedly conservative coach is expected to stick to his guns on Tuesday night.

Only given his first Benfica start in August, 19-year-old defender Antonio Silva was handed his competitive debut against South Korea alongside veteran campaigner Pepe – a man 20 years his senior.

The youngest Portuguese player to feature at the World Cup may make way, though, as Ruben Dias returns to the back four; Diogo Dalot made a big impression on his first World Cup start so could be retained.

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Cristiano Ronaldo, the Selecao’s all-time leading scorer, starts up front once more after being one of three players replaced after 65 minutes on Friday. Andre Silva and another Benfica youngster, Goncalo Ramos, are relegated to the bench.

Due to an injury, Nuno Mendes was forced to withdraw from the rest of the competition last week. Danilo is still out with rib fractures, while Otavio is still questionable.

Yann Sommer, who missed Switzerland’s final Group G encounter due to sickness, will be looking to make a comeback to strengthen their defence at Lusail Stadium. If Sommer were still available, he would replace Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund with his 30 shutouts and several clutches save throughout his 76 caps for the Nati.

Murat Yakin’s team has a good chance of remaining largely unchanged because Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler shield a disciplined defence in midfield, while Breel Embolo starts in front.

While Renato Steffen and Christian Fassnacht all give alternatives on either wing, Ruben Vargas and Xherdan Shaqiri provide support from wide.

• Possible Lineup:

Portugal’s possible starting lineup:
Costa; Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Cancelo; B. Silva, Neves, Carvalho; Fernandes; Felix, Ronaldo

Switzerland’s possible starting lineup:
Kobel; Widmer, Akanji, Schar, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Shaqiri, Sow, Vargas; Embolo

• Score Prediction:

Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Switzerland

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South Korea and Portugal will complete their World Cup 2022 Group H campaigns when they meet on Friday at the Education City Stadium.

Fernando Santos’ team is already assured to advance to the round of 16, having earned six points from victories against Ghana and Uruguay, and they only need to draw to finish first.

The third matchday of the FIFA World Cup 2022 has begun. Even though Portugal has already advanced to the World Cup knockout rounds, when they play South Korea on the tournament’s final day of group stage matches, they have a chance to clinch the top spot in Group H.

Things have gone reasonably well for Portugal, who have won their last two games, and they will be confident in their chances against a South Korean team that has battled this winter on both sides of the field.

South Korea’s campaign began with a scoreless draw against Uruguay, but their most recent match ended in heartache as they lost 3-2 to Ghana. Korea is still in the running to advance to the next round, but in order to do so, they must win by a score of at least two goals and hope that Ghana and Uruguay’s match ends in a draw.

• Team News:

Due to a hamstring issue, Hwang Hee-chan has been inactive for South Korea so far in the tournament, and the forward is still a big question mark for Friday’s match.

Son Heung-min, 30, will start for Bento’s team in this game and is expected to earn his 107th cap for the national team. Kim Min-Jae of Napoli will line up in the middle of the defence.

The South Korean starting lineup will once again be led by Cho Gue-sung, who scored twice against Ghana the last time they played. Kwon Chang-hoon should keep his spot in the wide position.

Hwang At-beom should have his own space in the park’s centre.

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Nuno Mendes, a defender for Portugal, had to be replaced in the final minutes of the first half of the team’s matchup with Uruguay the previous time round and has been ruled out for the remainder of the competition.

Danilo is also out with broken ribs, and Otavio is questionable due to the injury that kept him out of the previous match against Uruguay.

Raphael Guerreiro should replace Mendes as left-back, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s status for the game is uncertain because he missed Wednesday’s training.

Diogo Dalot, Joao Palhinha, and Goncalo Ramos could all start this game, according to Santos, who has said that he will make changes.

• Possible Lineup:

South Korea’s possible starting lineup:
Seung-gyu; Moon-hwan, Min-jae, Young-gwon, Jin-su; Woo-young, In-beom; Chang-hoon, Woo-yeong, Heung-min; Gue-sung

Portugal’s possible starting lineup:
Costa; Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro; Bernardo, Neves, Palhinha; Fernandes; Ronaldo, Ramos

• Score Prediction:

Taegeuk Warriors put up a strong performance against Ghana and are anticipated to do the same against Portugal in their last group-stage match. Ask Ghana how Son Heung-min and company might be problematic. Finding a method to win against Portugal, though, is a very different matter, and even a weak Portugal team will be confident going into this match.

Portugal should easily win this game even if they let up a little on the gas pedal.

Prediction: South Korea 1-3 Portugal.

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After Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United, Marcus Rashford said it was an “unbelievable experience” to play with him and wished him luck in the future.

United announced earlier this week that Portugal striker Ronaldo had left Old Trafford with immediate effect.

The decision comes after Ronaldo gave an extraordinary interview in which he slammed Manchester United’s owners and said he had ‘no respect’ for manager Erik ten Hag.

Despite the sour nature of Ronaldo’s exit, Rashford will look back at the Portuguese’s second spell at United fondly and has thanked him for his help on and off the pitch.

‘It has been an unbelievable experience to play with him,’ Rashford said from England’s World Cup camp in Qatar. ‘He is one of my idols and someone I always looked up to.

‘It’s something I can keep with me forever. I wish him all the best and we want to thank him for the things he’s done for Manchester United.’

Ronaldo enjoyed a superb first spell at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009 when he lifted three Premier League titles and the Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson.

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The former Real Madrid and Juventus attacker made a successful return to United in the summer of 2021, scoring 24 goals in 38 appearances and making an impression on the team.

The 37-year-old, however, had less success under new boss Ten Hag and had only started four of Manchester United’s 14 Premier League games before he made the controversial decision to speak with Piers Morgan of TalkTV.

Ronaldo will now attempt to utilize the World Cup to find a new club, with Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia apparently prepared to offer him more than £1 million per week in exchange for a three-year contract.

Ronaldo became the first male player to score in five World Cups as Portugal defeated Ghana 3-2 in their opening game in Qatar.

As they attempt to move from Group H and win the World Cup for the first time, Fernando Santos’ team will now take on Uruguay and South Korea.

Rashford, a forward for Manchester United, will concentrate on England’s last Group B match against Wales on Tuesday night.

Rashford scored in the Three Lions’ 6-2 victory over Iran in the tournament opener, but they laboured to a scoreless draw with the USA in their most recent match.

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