Ex-England manager Sam Allardyce believes Portugal coach Roberto Martinez isn’t brave enough to bench Cristiano Ronaldo despite the forward’s struggles in the ongoing Euro 2024. Ronaldo has faced some criticisms from fans and pundits for not being at his best during the tournament and the former England boss shares the same concerns. The five time
The post Roberto Martinez isn’t brave enough to drop Ronaldo – Sam Allardyce first appeared on 3News.
Ex-England manager Sam Allardyce believes Portugal coach Roberto Martinez isn’t brave enough to bench Cristiano Ronaldo despite the forward’s struggles in the ongoing Euro 2024.
Ronaldo has faced some criticisms from fans and pundits for not being at his best during the tournament and the former England boss shares the same concerns.
The five time Ballon d’Or winner is yet to score in the tournament while also missing a spot Kick against Slovenia in the round of 16.
Allardyce thinks the 39-year-old doesn’t have the energy to endure tthe demands of the tournament.
“Roberto Martínez won’t be brave enough to drop Ronaldo. When I was at Bolton I had to sit down Youri Djorkaeff – who was a World Cup winner – and tell him I thought his legs had gone. He didn’t take it very well and it’s not easy for the manager either. It’s a tough one for the manager in that position,” he added.
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“Given the talent that Portugal have, I think they’ve been disappointing. They’ve all got so much ability, but they’re having to carry Cristiano Ronaldo. Even though he is still very fit for his age, he simply doesn’t have the same energy levels anymore. The other players have to carry him and they’re good enough to do it, but he still hasn’t scored yet,” he said.
Allardyce also believes Ronaldo now wants personal glory.
“I think Ronaldo’s tears were primarily down to what he wanted to achieve personally, rather than with Portugal as a team. At his level you have to be selfish, but where he didn’t do himself any favours was the last World Cup because he was throwing his hands around and dismissing everyone when they got knocked out. He’s passionate and wants to win. He never really played a part when they won the Euros in 2016 so he’ll want to win this for himself as much as the country,” he added.
Portugal will face France on Friday for a place in the last four of the European Championships and Ronaldo would hope him and Portugal come to the party.
The post Roberto Martinez isn’t brave enough to drop Ronaldo – Sam Allardyce first appeared on 3News.
