“It would be easier to leave the pitch” - Czech Republic coach on how his team can be ‘successful’ against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal
Czech Republic head coach Ivah Hasek has spoken about facing Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in their Euro 2024 group-stage clash. The Selecao are seen as clear favorites to lead Group F over Turkey, Czech, and Georgia, but Hasek is working on a plan to give Portugal a tough time.
At a press conference, the Locomotiva head coach spoke about facing Portugal, who won Euro 2016. He revealed their plans to impress against Cristiano Ronaldo and company, saying (via O Jogo):
"The other [team’s] games don't influence us. If we don't have the ball and just defend, we won't be successful. It would be easier to leave the pitch and be done with it.”
Hasek also spoke about the Portuguese players, adding:
"They have players who play for the best clubs and are stars. Portugal are favorites to win the tournament. We have to neutralize Ronaldo. They will remember this all their lives and will say that they played against him and maybe they will be successful . It will be something remembered forever."
However, the head coach conceded that the Czech were not expecting a win against Cristiano Ronaldo's side.
"The most important thing is the last game. The first game doesn't decide anything, we play against the favorite to win..."
After facing the Selecao, the Czech Republic will take on Georgia and Turkey. If the Czechs fail to beat the group favorites, they will hope for wins against the other two sides.
Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal squad on merit: Roberto Martinez
Cristiano Ronaldo is now 39 years old and plies his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr. The standard of the league in the Middle East is not as impressive as the European leagues the legendary player has on his resume. However, he did finish the season as the top goalscorer, having racked up 35 goals in just 31 Saudi Pro League games.
There have been murmurs about Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez picking Ronaldo based on the reputation and popularity the Real Madrid legend has garnered over the years. However, the Spaniard insisted that's not the case, referring to Ronaldo's impressive season in the Middle East.
"Cristiano is in the national team on merit. Nobody gets into the national team by just having a name. Cristiano scored 50 goals in 51 games - consistent with his club in his league - and he scored [10] goals in our qualification rounds..." Martinez said (via GOAL).
"Over the years, he has changed his way of playing slightly, but I can only say that Cristiano is in the national team on merit and the numbers are there to back that up," he added.
Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to partake in his sixth Euro when he takes on the Czech Republic in their opening game on Monday, June 18. He was vital in Portugal's triumph in 2016, and he will hope to lead them to another European Championship trophy.