Belgium manager shares the most sensible take so far on the Cristiano Ronaldo situation after Jorge Jesus’ comment
Belgium manager Mark van Bommel recently shared his thoughts on how Jorge Jesus handled Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal star left the national team camp. Ronaldo announced he was leaving the squad on Wednesday, just days after not playing in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway in the Nations League.
Several teammates have spoken about the situation, and new coach Jesus also commented. One of his remarks caught people’s attention. Jesus said he told Ronaldo before the Norway game that he wouldn’t start but might come on as a substitute. He then decided not to bring him on, calling it “nothing to make a fuss about.” But clearly, it turned into a big deal, with Ronaldo posting on Instagram that he would reveal the truth to fans “in time.”
After Portugal’s 4-2 win over Denmark, players like Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Ramos, and Renato Veiga were asked about Ronaldo, but it was Belgium’s coach Van Bommel who gave the most detailed response. Before Belgium’s Nations League game against Turkey, a reporter asked him if he had ever promised a player they would get playing time, directly mentioning Jesus and Ronaldo. It’s worth noting Jesus never said he promised Ronaldo playing time.
Van Bommel replied, “If you promise that, you have to do it. But I’ve never promised a player they would come on because you never know what might happen. You can say there’s a good chance, but you have to keep things open.” When asked if he would handle the situation more wisely than Jesus, he replied, “I don’t know if it’s more intelligent. Jesus probably had his reasons. It’s easier in a friendly match. But promises? No, I’ve never made them.”
Van Bommel was also talking about his striker Romelu Lukaku, who’s played only seven minutes during the current international break. He said Lukaku could start or come off the bench depending on what the team needs but repeated, “I have never promised a player they will play. You can say chances are high, but no promises.”
Van Bommel mentioned he spoke with Lukaku over FaceTime about the situation and their style of play. He stressed that Lukaku is training well and comfortable, and the only real issue is that he hasn’t been playing much at his club, Fenerbahce. He ended by saying, “There really is no problem.”