Speaking, at a press conference before Portugal face Switzerland in their World Cup last 16 tie in Qatar, Portuguese centre-back Rúben Dias insisted that the camp needs to stay united amid criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo’s actions after he was subbed against South Korea in the previous game. Asked about press criticism of Ronaldo, the Manchester City player said:
“That question should be put to Cristiano Ronaldo, not to Rúben Dias. At this stage of the competition we feel that the press is increasingly behind the national team, Ronaldo and all our players. As the competition progresses, we all need to be united in order to gain more strength and have a good energy between us… We’re not a great team only because of the players we have in the attack, but also because of those in midfield and in defence… The team counts as a whole, including those who play and those who don’t play. We have quality in all positions.”
GWFN
