Jorge Jesus rejects claims Portugal’s 1-4 defeat was caused by Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence

Jorge Jesus has dismissed suggestions that Portugal’s heavy 1-4 defeat by Denmark was linked to Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, saying the former captain had made his own decision to leave the national team.

Some supporters left the stands after Denmark scored their fourth goal, chanting Ronaldo’s name and bringing the 23-year Portugal international back into the spotlight.

Asked whether he missed Ronaldo or was concerned by his absence, Jesus said the two issues were unrelated. He acknowledged that supporters naturally still felt a connection with the forward after his 23 years representing Portugal.

“People miss him and they have not forgotten what Cris gave the national team over 23 years, but there is no going back,” Jesus said.

He added: “Do I miss him? How can I miss him when he is no longer with the national team? The only way I would miss him is if he were beside me, but he no longer plays and he is no longer here. He made his decision himself.”

Jesus admitted he was unhappy with how the match ended, saying Portugal had not been prepared to lose at home, let alone concede four goals.

The coach said his side lacked the defensive strength shown in the first leg and struggled to contain Denmark, particularly in the second half. The visitors applied sustained high pressure, exploited space behind Portugal’s players and prevented the hosts from creating enough attacking opportunities.

He said the problem had started further up the pitch, with Portugal’s forwards unable to press effectively. That allowed Denmark to carry the ball forward and build attacks with too much freedom.

Denmark scored two similar goals from crosses, with players moving from deep into attacking positions and exploiting spaces between Alberto and Ruben Dias. Jesus praised the visitors for reading Portugal’s movements and identifying weaknesses.

Portugal had been the better side in the first leg, winning 4-2, but Jesus said his team had failed to reproduce that performance.

The manager accepted responsibility for the defeat, saying that if players did not follow his instructions, that was also his responsibility. However, he noted that some players lacked match readiness after spending two weeks without playing for their clubs.

The result has altered his plans for the next match against Wales. Jesus had been considering giving opportunities to several players, but now intends to rely more heavily on those who performed convincingly and helped secure Portugal’s previous four victories. He wants to restore balance and settle qualification.

Jesus rejected the idea that one poor result should undermine the team’s progress in its opening four matches.

“I will not question the journey the team has had in those four matches, in which we achieved strong victories,” he said.

After the game, he went to the dressing room to lift the players’ spirits and remind them Portugal remained top of the group. They have one final opportunity to confirm first place and reach the quarter-finals, although Jesus accepted Denmark had deserved its victory.

He also acknowledged that conceding goals in quick succession affected the players’ confidence and made it harder for them to believe they could recover. Nevertheless, he urged Portugal to put the defeat behind them and focus on the decisive fixture ahead.