Cristiano Ronaldo has been known for his determination and hunger since day one. The Portuguese forward has been applauded by numerous managers in his career, and in that list, the current Portuguese manager is the newest entry.
Roberto Martinez has managed Ronaldo for only 10 competitive games but has been thoroughly impressed in this short span. He expressed his admiration by commenting, “Cristiano Ronaldo is as hungry as an 18-year-old player. He is a role model, He always tries to be in the right position and is looking for the goal. Today I really liked the discipline”.
🚨ROBERTO MARTINEZ:
“Cristiano Ronaldo is as hungry as an 18 year old player. He is a role model. He always tries to be in the right position and is looking for the goal. Today I really liked the discipline.” pic.twitter.com/gjgHGX76m7
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) November 20, 2023
Ronaldo has rolled back almost 20 years, as per his national manager. The forward made his debut back in 2003, when he was 18 years old, and even after 200 international caps. He has maintained his hunger and desire to win each game for his country.
In 2023, he scored 10 goals and two assists in nine appearances for his national side, leading the side from the front ahead of Euro 2024. Ronaldo is thriving under Martinez and has already put the disappointing 2022 World Cup behind him, where he was benched twice by Fernando Santos.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Martinez have led Portugal to a perfect Euro 2024 qualification
Portugal was drawn in Group J in the Euro 2024 qualifiers with teams like Luxembourg, Iceland, Slovakia, etc. Many expected them to top the group, but few expected them to be among the most impressive teams in the whole qualification process.
Portugal has played 10 games and has won all 10 games. They have scored 36 goals in the process and only conceded two. Only France boasts a perfect record like Portugal in the Euro 2024 qualification among European heavyweights. Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo, João Cancelo, and Rúben Dias, have been immense for the Portuguese throughout the qualification.
Look how Roberto Martinez greets Cristiano Ronaldo after the game.
The coach he deserves ❤️
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) November 19, 2023
Roberto Martinez has been applauded by fans and experts for uniting the camp so quickly after the 2022 World Cup. He has properly utilized the depth of the Portuguese squad in these 10 matches. Players like Gonçalo Inácio and João Palhinha have been incorporated as crucial players in the spine, providing a new dimension to the lineup.
Martinez has also used different systems at the back, from a flat back four to a dynamic back three. Rúben Dias has benefitted from playing alongside the ever-present, Pepe, on several occasions.
Going into 2024, Portugal will enter the Euro 2024 in Germany as one of the favorites. This turnaround can be credited to Roberto Martinez’s management. The Spaniard has flexibly used the players at his disposal and successfully shielded senior players like Ronaldo and Pepe from overexposure. The Portuguese camp looks strong as they look to win their second European championship in eight years.