Jose Mourinho insists Cristiano Ronaldo will play key role in Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign and believes Italy “do not have enough talent” to retain trophy.
Ronaldo is preparing to play in his 11th major tournament for Portugal. He first featured for his national side at Euro 2004. The 39-year-old has just finished his first full season in Saudi Pro League scoring 50 goals in 51 appearances for Al-Nassr.
But Ronaldo faces strong competition for starting place in Portugal’s attack for Euro 2024. He will compete alongside Liverpool forward Diogo Jota. Also in the mix are Paris Saint-Germain’s Goncalo Ramos and Joao Felix. Felix has just spent season on loan at Barcelona.
When asked about Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s side for Euro 2024, Mourinho told RTP “The coach knows. Cristiano is the one who knows how he feels, what his goals are. How the coach wants to use him whether to play every minute of every game or protect him in key moments.”
“But there’s a lot that goes on inside that gets between them. He has lot of influence. And he will score his goals. I don’t believe he will leave European Championship without goals.”
Mourinho: Portugal Among Euro 2024 Favorites. Italy Not So Much
Mourinho also reiterated that he considers Portugal one of favourites to win tournament. “I think practically everyone thinks like me” he said. “Portugal. England. France. Below them are Germany and Spain.”
However, Mourinho was more dismissive of Italy. They are in a tough Group B alongside Spain, Croatia and Albania. “I don’t believe it,” Mourinho said. “It’s not very talented generation. I can’t see enough talent to win. They won last one but I don’t believe in second time.”
Mourinho also played down significance of pre-tournament friendlies after England’s 1-0 defeat to Iceland on Friday night. “It depends on way the coach looks at game, the goals he will have.
England lost yesterday against Iceland at Wembley. The world didn’t end. The moment of truth is there. It’s not an easy qualification or friendly games. It’s when things start to heat up.”
