Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
Denmark boss Brian Riemer believes “it’s a bit absurd” to suggest Portugal are better off without Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal lead their Nations League group ahead of their trip to Denmark on Thursday, having won against Wales and Norway to begin their title defence.
Ronaldo featured against Wales, seeing a goal chalked off, but was an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway last time out.
In his absence, starting strikers Goncalo Ramos and Joao Felix both scored for Jorge Jesus’ side, with the head coach also insisting Ronaldo was left on the bench for tactical reasons.
Reports claimed Ronaldo’s relationship with Jesus is now fractured, while some fans suggested Portugal are better off without their all-time leading scorer, but Riemer came to the 41-year-old’s defence.
“I think it’s a bit absurd to be discussing this in relation to Cristiano Ronaldo,” Riemer told TV2 Sport.
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) September 28, 2026
“I believe that many people underestimate the importance he has in the Portuguese team. I even think that, the day he retires, Portugal will have a problem.
“There’s something called hierarchy. There are many strong personalities in a team like Portugal. Who will make decisions and set the terms? It can be a big challenge.
“Definitely, you shouldn’t underestimate Ronaldo’s importance when he plays. Portugal’s best team is with Ronaldo playing.”
Ronaldo scored 29 goals in 33 games under the command of Jesus for Al-Nassr in the 2025-26 campaign, at an average of one goal every 99 minutes.
Jesus revealed Ronaldo could be in for some minutes against Denmark, while Portugal also host Norway before the end of the extended international break.
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