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Bruno Fernandes has poured fuel on rumours of a strained relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo after disagreeing with the latter’s comments on Portugal boss Roberto Martinez.
Former Everton and Belgium manager, Roberto Martinez, took over from Fernando Santos following Portugal’s disappointing 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal exit.
Martinez has started well with free-flowing attacking football being evident in his first two games in charge.
Ronaldo sets new record against favourite opponent Luxembourg in dominant Portugal win
Cristiano Ronaldo full of praise for Roberto Martinez' Portugal impact
Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored four goals in two games for Portugal this month, wasted no time in praising the new coach and impressing upon reporters the positive impact Martinez has had on the team.
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"It’s a new chapter for everyone, for the players, the staff and the country. We feel good energy. It’s a breath of fresh air," the Al Nassr forward said.
Bruno Fernandes disagrees with Ronaldo's comments
However, during an interview on Portuguese channel RTP3, Bruno Fernandes poured cold water on Ronaldo's claims regarding the new man at the helm.
When asked if he agreed with Ronaldo's comments,
Fernandes replied: "No, it's just a new coach with new ideas. There is no breath of fresh air at all. It's just a transition period.
"The atmosphere in the national team has always been good. There's never been anything that wasn't fresh of the air, so I think it's just new dynamics, new coach, and you have to assimilate his ideas."
Last November, there were rumours of a rift between Fernandes and Ronaldo after the latter released a scathing interview in his last weeks at Manchester United. While both parties have maintained there are no problems, their friendship has remained a hot topic.
Under Martinez's leadership, Portugal have made an excellent start, winning their home match against Liechtenstein 4-0 and then following that up with an impressive 6-0 win against Luxembourg.
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