Santos ‘unhappy’ with Ronaldo’s reaction to being subbed
Portugal coach Fernando Santos has revealed he was not happy with Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction after being substituted in their final World Cup group game.
Ronaldoappearedangryafter being withdrawn 25 minutes from the end of Friday's 2-1 loss to South Korea.
Theformermanchesterunited and Real Madrid forward later said his frustration was aimed at an opposing player rather than Santos for taking him off. Ronaldo claimed one of the Korean side told him to leavethefieldquicklyandhedid not take kindly to the remark.
Either way, Santos accepts it was not a good look for the team and he has not confirmed if Ronaldo will captain the side in tonight’s last-16 clash against Switzerland.
Santos said: “I didn't like it, not at all. I really did not like it.
"But from that moment onwards,everythingisfinished – full stop regarding that issue.
"Now, we have to think about tomorrow's match, and everyone is focused on tomorrow's match," Santod added.
Asked if he could still trust his captain, Santos said: "I only decidewho'sgoingtobethecaptainwheni'vereachedthestadium,soidon'tknow.idon'tknow what the line-up will be.
"That's what I've always done and that's what I'm always going to do."
Ronaldo's presence has cast a shadow over Portugal's campaign, with his arrival in Qatar overlappingwiththemessyend of his second spell at United.
Although he scored against Ghana to become the first man to net in five World Cups, his performanceshavebeengenerallyunderwhelming.hegenerated further headlines over the weekend with reports he has receivedabig-moneyofferfrom Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. Santos said: "That's his decision, that's what he has to deal with. We are totally focused here on the World Cup."
Portugal remain favourites to progress to the last eight at the expenseoftheswissintheclash at the Lusail Stadium but their opponents are optimistic.
Coach Murat Yakin said: "We're very much looking forward to this game. It's a big opportunity for us to make history for Switzerland.
"We'veseenhoweuphoricthe peopleareaboutthefactthatwe are at this stage and, of course, we'd love to give our fans one more game."