Portugal winger Conceicao: No pressure to pass to Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal winger Francisco Conceicao said on Sunday that his teammates do not feel pressured to pass to Cristiano Ronaldo after criticism of the veteran’s role in the team’s lackluster World Cup opener.

Observers have questioned whether Ronaldo’s reduced mobility at 41 is harming Portugal’s prospects following a 1‑1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Conceicao clarified that players are not obliged to pass to Ronaldo when other teammates are in better attacking positions.

“We don’t feel the need to pass him the ball,” Conceicao said. “I pass it to whoever I think is in the best position and unmarked.”

He added that Ronaldo is viewed as “just another member of the squad” and that every individual is required for the collective to function.

“Cristiano is an example because of his career and the hunger he still possesses at 41 years of age… An example of leadership and the goals he scores,” the Juventus player said during a press conference.

“There is no one like him when it comes to scoring goals… He is here to help, just like any other player.”

Portugal will face Uzbekistan in their second Group K match in Houston on Tuesday, needing three points to revive their campaign.

“No one takes it harder than we do. We felt firsthand that we didn’t do our job in the best possible way,” Conceicao said.

“If things don’t go well, there will be more pressure and more criticism. We want to show our quality and win the next match.”

AFP

The post No pressure to pass to C.Ronaldo — Portugal winger Conceicao appeared first on Vanguard News.