Again the expulsion, the “disrespect” and the Dragon: everything Roberto Martínez said: A Bola

Judging by the words of Roberto Martínez, Cristiano Ronaldo will not be present in Portugal-Armenia this Sunday. The coach considers it a “lack of respect” towards CR7 and the other players to shine the spotlight on the captain of Quinas in a match where he will not be able to play due to suspension. The coach also highlighted the strengths of the next opponent and the positive impact that playing at the Estádio do Dragão had for the national team.

—Can you promise a clear-faced national team after the defeat in Ireland?

—I think we have a team with a lot of responsibility and self-criticism. We can create an environment in which we can grow. When there is a defeat, we can grow even more. We were sad. But the sadness now It’s an opportunity to play at home, with our supporters, against a team that we respect a lot and to complete the qualification. The focus is on tomorrow’s match [domingo].

—How is the spirit of the Selection?

—It’s been almost three years since the Selection. The group dynamic is stable. We have already experienced defeats together and that helps a lot to win the next match and progress.We lost to Denmark [Liga das Nações] and it helped me a lot to be able to improve for the next match. The time spent with the players is minimal, so it has to be quality. I saw the players in training yesterday [sexta-feira] full of joy, full of desire to show our best level and try to win the matchin front of our fans. The team is doing well and is ready to show what they can do against Armenia.

—Is the presence of the president of the FPF, Pedro Proença, at this conference a vote of confidence?

“I think we all work together, very united and strength is important at all times. After the victories, after the defeats… There is a winning atmosphere and it’s the moment, it’s the last match and we hope to be able to finish what we have been working on in the last stages. I’m trying to qualify for the World Cup. We are all together.

— What do you expect from the reunion with the Portuguese supporters at the Estádio do Dragão?

—We have historically kept good memories. Before me, it was the play-offs with North Macedonia, but also the qualifications with Poland. [Liga das Nações] and with Slovakia, with incredible strength from our supporters. These are important moments. Ireland have used their home stadium well and we can do that. The team loves playing with our fans and that makes all the difference.

—Do you believe in a favorable decision from FIFA regarding Ronaldo?

—After the match,emotions may not be clear. The reaction ofCristiano it was a reaction to a provocation that began at the start of the match and even the day before, during the press conference. It was a reaction to try to continue playing. It’s not a violent action, it’s not a violent red card. You must prepare the file carefully. It would be very unfair if the sanction was long.

—Will Ronaldo be at Dragão this Sunday or not?

—When a player is injured or suspended, he is not part of the team. Because his goal is not to play. We work like that. When there is a player who is not on the match list, he does not remain in the team. Because the goal of the other players is to win the game. These questions are disrespectful to Cristiano. It feels like a lack of respect. He’s suspended and can’t be there. This is our way of working.

—With Gonçalo Ramos, can Portugal attack differently?

— We still have one training session left, I haven’t spoken to the players in the starting lineup yet. We love working on everything. Gonçalo Ramos is a scorer, a natural striker, who has had many good moments with the Seleção. He is, unless I’m mistaken, the striker with the highest goals per minute average in European competitions. It’s very important to have him in the national team, but I still can’t talk about the eleven. This will be important.

— What do you expect from this Armenia?

— I already said a lot before the match. People don’t know what Armenia can do. The new coach hasn’t had much time to work with the team, but it’s a team that tries to play from the inside, intelligent, with creative ability. A five-man defensive structure, very united, and a solid midfield. They played very good matches against Ireland. The victory against Ireland shows the value of Armenia, they are a very competitive team. We respect Armenia a lot and I really liked the coach’s work.

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