Portugal national team manager Roberto Martínez gave an interview recently, saying he understands and accepts criticism from outside, including calls for Cristiano Ronaldo to be phased out of the starting lineup.
Let’s talk about Cristiano Ronaldo – what do you think are his greatest strengths and weaknesses?
I think fans around the world know Cristiano Ronaldo and have their own opinions of him. But we have to admit that the Ronaldo who made his debut for Portugal 21 years ago is a completely different player from the one we see today. Now he is more of an in-box finisher, a pure striker. For us, he is one of the greatest goalscorers in history. In nearly 30 recent national team games, he has scored 25 goals – that kind of form is a gift.
We are talking about his present, not the glory of a decade ago. So for me, his most valuable quality is his unwavering professional commitment. He is the only player in the world to have earned more than 220 caps for his country. With such a legendary career and this undiminished sense of responsibility, Cristiano Ronaldo is a role model for the team and a spiritual leader in the dressing room.
On the pitch, he is a box predator who draws heavy defensive attention and creates space for his teammates. Off the pitch, he passes on his vast experience to young players, which is crucial for us. As for weaknesses? I believe the biggest flaw for any player is a lack of responsibility and fighting spirit. If a player does not have a sense of mission to fight for his country, he does not deserve to wear the national team jersey.
Cristiano Ronaldo is 40 years old and now plays in the Saudi league – why is he still indispensable to Portugal?
Because he maintains an unrelenting focus on excellence, and he proves with his actions that age is just a number. For Cristiano Ronaldo, every day is an opportunity to improve himself and contribute to the team. The coaching staff assesses all players every day, and the criteria for captain Cristiano Ronaldo are no different from those for other players. And his performances have always deserved a call-up to the national team. Portugal is a stronger team with Cristiano Ronaldo in it.
People outside often say Portugal play better without Cristiano Ronaldo, but the data clearly prove his value. Beyond the numbers, why do you think Portugal perform better when he is on the pitch?
We are talking about the most experienced player in world football, and we have to make the most of such a legendary star. When young players walk into the dressing room, they can learn so much from him – that in itself is a priceless asset. Besides, Cristiano Ronaldo’s movement in the box is extremely intelligent; he tears apart opposition defences and creates attacking space for his teammates.
He is a natural box hunter, and that is exactly what we need to fully exploit. Of course, his professionalism and his reverence for the national team jersey are irreplaceable. He is Portugal’s all-time top scorer and the best in-box finisher we have.
Is there a moment when you watch Cristiano Ronaldo play and think, “This is almost inhuman, incredible”?
I think his extraordinary resilience is beyond the reach of ordinary people. This resilience is not about football skills, but a willpower that transcends normal limits. It is rare for someone who has already achieved everything to still wake up every day with a hunger for victory. It is this insatiable drive that makes Cristiano Ronaldo one of a kind. This is not about skill, but his character – even at the very peak, he still works day in and day out to become stronger.
If you believe the team would perform better with Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench in a crucial World Cup match, are you ready to make that tough decision? And do you think Cristiano Ronaldo would accept such an arrangement?
That is part of my job. I have been managing Portugal for three years. As a head coach, the most important mission is to make the team stronger and beat opponents. That is the responsibility of myself and the coaching staff. Making tough decisions is inherent in the job of a manager. I am not new here – this question might be more suitable for a coach who has just taken over the team.
Three years of coaching experience have given us enough experience. For me, the key is to keep the players motivated and build a high-intensity, highly competitive team environment. That is exactly what we are doing now. We always stick to this principle, whether it is for captain Cristiano Ronaldo or any other player.
