Bruno Fernandes Challenges Cristiano Ronaldo's Assertion of New Portugal Coach Roberto Martinez as a 'Breath of Fresh Air

Bruno Fernandes Challenges Cristiano Ronaldo’s Assertion of New Portugal Coach Roberto Martinez as a ‘Breath of Fresh Air

Bruno Fernandes has dismissed Cristiano Ronaldo’s statement that the new Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has brought a fresh perspective to the team.

Roberto Martinez was brought in as the new coach of the Portuguese national team after their disappointing performance in the 2022 World Cup, in which Cristiano Ronaldo was relegated to a bench role. Despite this, Martinez assured Ronaldo of his leadership position within the team ahead of their first set of Euro 2024 qualifiers. Ronaldo expressed his enthusiasm for the new coach, describing it as a new chapter for the team and a breath of fresh air.

However, Fernandes has played down Martinez’s effect, insisting that the atmosphere “has always been good” in the Portugal camp. Asked if he agrees with Ronaldo’s assessment, the Manchester United star told Portuguese TV channel RTP3: “No, it’s just a new coach with new ideas. There is no breath of fresh air at all. It’s just a transition period. The atmosphere in the national team has always been good. There’s never been anything that wasn’t fresh of the air, so I think it’s just new dynamics, new coach, and you have to assimilate his ideas.”

Under Roberto Martinez’s leadership, Portugal has made a strong start, winning 4-0 against Liechtenstein and 6-0 against Luxembourg. Cristiano Ronaldo was instrumental in these victories, scoring four goals, including a spectacular free-kick, which brought his total international goals to 122. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes will resume playing for Manchester United against Newcastle United on Sunday, while Ronaldo will have a longer break before his next match for Al-Nassr against Al-Adalah on Tuesday.