"He simply doesn’t have the same energy levels anymore" - Former Premier League manager blasts Cristiano Ronaldo and wants him benched at EURO 2024
Former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce believes that Cristiano Ronaldo is now a liability for Portugal at Euro 2024. The legendary striker has struggled to impress for his nation in Germany and has only managed to register one assist in four games at the tournament.
Speaking on William Hill and Footy accumulator’s podcast, No Tippy Tappy Football, the former Premier League manager said:
“Given the talent that Portugal have in their squad, I think they’ve been quite disappointing. They’ve got so much talent and so much ability on the ball, but they’re having to carry Ronaldo now. Even though he is still very fit for his age, he simply doesn’t have the same energy levels anymore. The other players have to carry him and they’re good enough to do it, but he still hasn’t scored yet."
Allardyce doubts that Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has the courage to drop Ronaldo. He said:
“Roberto Martínez won’t be brave enough to drop Ronaldo. When I was at Bolton I had to sit down Youri Djorkaeff – who was a World Cup winner – and tell him I thought his legs had gone. He didn’t take it very well and it’s not easy for the manager either. It’s a tough one for the manager in that position.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is playing at his sixth European Championships at 39 years old and is far from the peak of his powers. He previously announced that Euro 2024 would be his last appearance at the competition.
Former Premier League manager shares opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo's tears after penalty miss at Euro 2024
Sam Allardyce believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s breaking down following his penalty miss against Slovenia at Euro 2024 was a selfish act. The legendary striker missed a 105th-minute penalty in the Round of 16 clash against Slovenia and burst out in tears.
Portugal went on to win the match 3-0 on penalties, but Allardyce wasn't pleased with the Portuguese icon's showing of emotions. He said:
“I think Ronaldo’s tears were primarily down to what he wanted to achieve personally, rather than with Portugal as a team.”
'Big Sam' continued, adding:
"At his level you have to be selfish, but where he didn’t do himself any favours was the last World Cup because he was throwing his hands around and dismissing everyone when they got knocked out. He’s passionate and wants to win. He never really played a part when they won the Euros in 2016 so he’ll want to win this for himself as much as the country.”
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are realistically just three games away from winning their second European Championship in eight years. But they will first need to tackle France in the quarterfinal.