Paulo Bento has admitted that his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo deteriorated because he refused to compromise on team management issues.
According to Lent.az, citing foreign media, former Portuguese national team coach Paulo Bento spoke about his difficult relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo during his time together in the national team.
Bento coached the Portuguese national team from 2010 to 2014.
According to the specialist, his relationship with Ronaldo has changed significantly over time.
"If you ask me if our relationship is the same as before, no, it's not," Bento said.
The coach stressed that he is not going to give up his principles in order to maintain good relations with the team leader.
"If I have to give up my principles for the sake of relationships, no. Coaches are hired to make decisions. If others start making decisions for us, it means we are not doing our job," Bento noted.
The specialist also stated that there should be a clear hierarchy within the team.
"Players must understand who makes decisions in the dressing room. If there is no such understanding, everything starts to fall apart," added the former coach of the Portuguese national team.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been playing for the national team since 2003 and holds the world football record for most appearances and goals scored for the national team.