“If you want to analyse data, look at what he did” - Roberto Martinez shuts down question on Cristiano Ronaldo impact at press conference
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez answered questions about captain Cristiano Ronaldo's impact on the squad and in games. The 39-year-old legendary forward recently became the first player to feature in six European Championships.
At a press conference ahead of the Selecao's upcoming Euro 2024 clash against Turkey on Saturday, June 22, Martínez was asked whether playing Ronaldo for the full 90 minutes throughout the tournament could be effective. The 50-year-old manager replied (via O Jogo):
"You know how many minutes he played last season? You're talking about the environment, but this is the experience. There is no other player who has played in six Europeans, it is important to understand what each player brings to the team. Cristiano brings knowledge, experience, goal opportunities, movement in the area."
"You have the opportunity to make room but if you want to analyze the data, look what he has done in the last few months. He is in the Selection because he deserves to be," added Roberto Martínez.
In their Euro 2024 opener, Portugal beat the Czech Republic 2-1. When asked if his side's upcoming clash against Turkey will be easier, Martinez replied:
"No longer easy games, but different games. Czechia did not try to play the way she played, but it does. The teams are very competitive, have a level of verticality... the teams want to compete and there are solutions for 90 minutes."
"Turkey has a lot of talent, good defensive structure. It is a very balanced team, all the games are different. Chéquia had a shot framed and scored a goal. But the reaction was very good and now we are prepared for another game," added Roberto Martínez.
Portugal won the European Championship in 2016 after finishing runners-up in 2004.
Cristiano Ronaldo sends message ahead of Portugal's Euro 2024 match against Turkey
Ahead of Portugal's clash against Turkey, Cristiano Ronaldo posted on X, sharing pictures with the squad from their Euro 2024 training session He captioned it (as translated from Portuguese):
"Union, focus and commitment."
Ahead of the Euro 2024, the Portugal captain expressed confidence in his squad and said (via TimelineCR7):
"I firmly believe that this team will bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese fans, beginning with this EURO. However, the best generation of players are always those who win (trophies). I hope this national team will win. It's an incredibly talented squad."
Cristiano Ronaldo has netted 130 goals and provided 46 assists in 208 appearances for Portugal.