Portugal boss Fernando Santos unhappy with Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction as he was substituted during World Cup loss against South Korea


Portugal manager Fernando Santos has admitted he wasn’t happy with Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction to being substituted in their last group game at the World Cup.

The former Manchester United star appeared unhappy as he was taken off by Santos in the 65th minute of their eventual 2-1 loss to South Korea.

Santos spoke to the media ahead of his side’s Round of 16 tie against Switzerland on Tuesday

Portuguese media reported that Ronaldo had sworn at Santos as he was taken off, but the ex-Manchester United star denied that his feisty reaction was aimed at his boss, but rather at opposition striker South Korea’s Cho Gue-sung

Originally, Santos confirmed Ronaldo’s claim, stating he had no doubts it was aimed at Gue-sung.

Now, though, the Portugal manager has criticised the actions of his player.

"Have I seen the images when Ronaldo was subbed? Yes. Did I not like what I saw? No, I didn’t like it one bit,” Santos said on Monday.

However, the Portugal boss went on to say the issue has been squashed before their Round of 16 clash against Switzerland on Tuesday – live on talkSPORT – as his side prepare to fight for a spot in the quarter-finals.

“These matters are resolved behind closed doors,” he said. “It’s resolved. Full stop on this matter and now it’s full focus on tomorrow’s match.”

The star claimed there was no disagreement with Santos despite looking rather unimpressed by his substitution.

Asked if he could still trust his captain, Santos said: “I only decide who’s going to be the captain when I’ve reached the stadium, so I don’t know. I don’t know what the line-up will be.

“That’s what I’ve always done and that’s what I’m always going to do. But the other topic is solved. We fixed it in-house and that’s it.”

After the game when asked to clarify his angry reaction as he exited the field in his country’s final group game that saw them finish top of the group despite falling to defeat, Ronaldo revealed what Gue-sung said.

“What happened was before my substitution, the South Korea player told me to get off quickly,” Ronaldo explained.

“I told him to shut up as he doesn’t have that authority. There was no disagreement [with the coach].”

https://talksport.com/football/1267795/fernando-santos-reacts-cristiano-ronaldo-portugal-angry-substitution/