During a press conference in Portugal ahead of the UEFA Nations League match against Norway, Bruno Fernandes spoke about the team's adaptation to Jorge Jesús's tactical philosophy, his own position on the pitch, and the controversy surrounding Ronaldo. He affirmed that there was no division within the Portuguese squad and urged supporters not to take sides. This article covers the first part of the press conference.

Bruno, let's look at the match against Norway. You couldn't play in the first meeting between the two teams. Based on what you observed then, what differences do you expect to see in tomorrow's match? In the last game, everyone said Portugal needed to withstand the pressure. What do they need to do to feel less pressure?

At that moment, we really needed to withstand the pressure, and that was also due to Norway's strength. As the coach has mentioned many times here, they are a very strong team with top-level players who can create difficulties for us.

I think we also need to recognize and appreciate the defensive work the team did, because we defended well at that time. We may have given the opposition more chances than expected, but at the same time, our defence was also very effective. There are always areas for improvement in every match, and the last one was no exception, despite the result being better and everyone thinking our performance was better. I think what matters most is always getting results, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to win matches away from home. Those were three very important points for us on this road. Hopefully, we can get another three points tomorrow, moving closer to our objective.

SIC Reporter: The last time you played for Portugal in this stadium, you scored a hat-trick, and João Neves also scored a hat-trick. Later you shared a story about João Neves asking you to let him take a free kick. All of this shows you are one of the leaders in the dressing room. I want to ask, this week, how have you spoken with your teammates about what is happening? For example, how have you and João Neves discussed it? Also, tell us about the new system the coach is introducing for the Portuguese squad. Do you think players like João Neves could have fewer opportunities in this system?

I'll answer the last part first. Who gets an opportunity and who doesn't is something the coach has to decide. Fortunately, I don't have to decide, because Portugal has many excellent players. I think we will only benefit from this, because it demonstrates that our squad has a very high level.

We have players who can play in different positions, and they can also be on the pitch at the same time, as in the last match. For example, João Neves and Vitinha, Neves, myself and Félix were all on the pitch simultaneously, and all these players can play in very similar positions. I think this is a very positive aspect for us.

Simply being able to come to the Portuguese squad is something wonderful in itself. I think whether you play a lot or a little, it shouldn't be viewed negatively. We all want to play. We are normally starters at our respective clubs, and when we come to the Portuguese squad, we all want to represent our country, we all want to be starters, we all want to play in matches. That's why we're here, and also to create difficult problems for the coach, to give him a headache, to make it increasingly difficult for him to make decisions.

As for the other question, I want to try to clarify this matter so perhaps it doesn't come up again. I'll get straight to the point.

I don't think I need to speak with my teammates about this. We all know how to handle our own situations. What is happening with the Portuguese squad now has nothing to do with the players. I think the most important role we can play is delivering results on the pitch.

Regarding Ronaldo, I spoke with him. What I told him, I will repeat here: no matter what happens, Ronaldo will always be the most important symbol of the Portuguese squad, the most important symbol of Portuguese football, and undoubtedly the most important symbol of our country. This is because of everything he has achieved, not only in Portugal, but around the world. I believe, without doubt, he has his own place, not only among the greatest players in history, but also in the heart of every Portuguese person.

What matters most now is that we must not divide into factions, because there is no division within the Portuguese squad. There is only one Portuguese squad, and always will be. No matter what sounds or noise come from outside, I think every family should resolve its own problems behind closed doors. The Portuguese squad should operate the same way, and I believe we will.

I am confident that what matters most is that this matter will eventually be resolved properly, with a good outcome for both sides. We are completely removed from it. What we know is what the media report and what we see ourselves. To be honest, we spend much of our time playing cards in the players' room rather than watching television, so we actually have very limited knowledge of the controversies surrounding this issue.

But I want to appeal for unity again, so we don't allow this country to divide, so everyone doesn't take sides. Everyone should come together, respect and accept all parties. At the same time, as I said, Ronaldo will always be the most iconic figure of the Portuguese squad, Portuguese football and world football. Whether someone likes it or not, he deserves the respect of all Portuguese people.

Sport TV Reporter: After the last match, Jorge Jesús mentioned he had a conversation with you, I believe it was during half-time. He is sitting next to you and can correct me if I'm wrong. That conversation was about the influence you should have on the Portuguese squad's play, because the position you occupy is a very important position in Jorge Jesús's team, as he has said many times. What exactly were his demands of you? What more do you need to do to achieve the performance Jorge Jesús wants to see?

Jesús: He achieved it in the second half of that match.

Bruno Fernandes: After a telling-off, I did. I really did. I know the coach very well and have worked with him before. He brought me to the big stage of Portuguese football, so I know what it takes to work with him, and I know that sometimes a telling-off is necessary. Some of those tellings-off are justified, others less so.

However, I believe his demands of me and other players are also because he believes in our abilities, in what we can achieve as players and in what we can bring to the Portuguese squad. I also think my performance in the first half wasn't as good as in the second. There are still areas for improvement, even though the second half was better, there are still areas for improvement.

What the coach told me at half-time made me improve in the second half. This is always positive, not only for me, but also for my teammates and for the final result of the match. The result of that match was very good for us.

Traducido por IA.

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