Jesus explodes after Ronaldo crisis: "Apologise for what?"

In the face of one of the journalists

The row between Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has reignited after the 2-1 win over Norway. The veteran coach got into a sharp exchange with a journalist during the press conference, flatly refusing to apologise over his treatment of the national team captain.

Portugal secured a fourth consecutive win in the UEFA Nations League and booked their place in the quarter-finals. Yet the absence of Ronaldo, 41, continues to dominate the headlines after he stormed out of the national team camp following his falling-out with Jesus, who left him on the substitutes' bench after a lengthy warm-up.

Asked whether he intended to apologise to Ronaldo, Jesus snapped: "Apologise for what? And what would be the motive that pushes me to apologise?", before clarifying: "The main reason for all of this is the player's warm-up. I take responsibility for the decision and what happened, but apologise for what? And to whom? This is ridiculous."

The Portuguese Federation's media officer tried to steer the conversation elsewhere. Jesus wasn't finished, returning to hammer home his point: "Apologise for what? What is the problem?", before delivering a clearer message about his authority.

"I am the manager, and I call up whomever I want," the Portugal boss said. "I do not consult anyone about the players I wish to select or who will play. As a manager, there are matters that are not open to negotiation."

Jesus hasn't closed the door on a Ronaldo return should the player want it. The crisis, though, leaves the manager under mounting pressure with the next international break looming. Portugal face Denmark on 14 November, and all eyes are on whether Ronaldo comes back into the squad or the rift drags on.