Ronaldo remains unused as Jorge Jesus begins managing Portugal captain’s playing time

Cristiano Ronaldo remained on the substitutes’ bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday as head coach Jorge Jesus continued managing the 41-year-old captain’s workload.

Before the match, Jesus had indicated that Ronaldo could no longer automatically be expected to start every Portugal game, saying fitness, recovery and training performances would determine his involvement.

Ronaldo had played almost 70 minutes in Portugal’s previous 1-0 victory over Wales just three days earlier.

Jesus said Ronaldo’s age meant his workload had to be assessed differently from younger players capable of playing full matches every three days.

The coach stressed, however, that Ronaldo remained an important member of the Portugal squad.

His position was consistent with comments he made when naming his first Portugal squad, when he said selection would be based on current performance rather than reputation or previous achievements.

Ronaldo stays on bench against Norway

Jesus ultimately started Gonçalo Ramos ahead of Ronaldo against Norway in Oslo.

Portugal took the lead through João Félix before Erling Haaland equalised for the hosts.

Ramos then restored Portugal’s advantage as the visitors secured a 2-1 victory.

Ronaldo remained an unused substitute throughout the match.

After the game, Jesus explained that he had initially considered introducing Ronaldo for roughly the final 30 minutes.

However, he decided against the change because Ramos was performing well and had scored Portugal’s winning goal

The decision underlined what appears to be a new approach to Ronaldo’s role under Jesus as Portugal balance the veteran forward’s continuing importance with the demands of a congested international schedule.