During a press conference in Portugal ahead of their Nations League match against Norway, Bruno Fernandes discussed the team's adaptation to Jesus' tactical philosophy, his own position on the field, and the controversy surrounding Ronaldo. He stated that there is no division within the Portuguese team and urged fans not to take sides. This article covers the first part of the press conference.

Bruno, let's look ahead to the match against Norway. You were unable to play in the first encounter between the two teams. Based on what you saw then, what differences do you hope to see in tomorrow's game? In the last match, everyone said that Portugal had to withstand the pressure. What do you need to do to feel less pressure?

Indeed, we had to withstand pressure at that time, and that was also due to the strength of the Norway team. As the coach has mentioned many times here, they are a very strong team with high-quality players who can create difficulties for us.

I think we should also acknowledge and appreciate the work the team did defensively, because we defended well at that time. We might have given the opponent more chances than we expected, but at the same time, our defense was very effective. There are always areas for improvement in every game, and the last one was no exception, even though the result was better and everyone thought our performance was better. I think the most important thing is always to get results, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to win away from home now. Those were three very important points for us on this journey. Hopefully, we can get another three points tomorrow and get closer to our goal.

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. You later shared a story about João Neves asking you to let him take a free kick. All of this indicates that you are one of the leaders in the locker room. I want to ask, how have you discussed what's happening with your teammates this week? For example, how did you talk to João Neves? Also, please talk about the new system the coach is introducing for the Portuguese team. Do you think players like João Neves might get fewer opportunities in this system?

I'll answer the last part first. Who gets opportunities and who doesn't is up to the coach to decide. Fortunately, it's not up to me, because the Portuguese team has many excellent players. I think we will only benefit from this, because it shows that our squad has a very high level.

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

Just being able to be in the Portuguese team is a wonderful thing. I think whether you get more or less playing time, it shouldn't be viewed negatively. We all want to play. We are usually starters at our respective clubs, and when we come to the Portuguese team, everyone wants to represent their country, everyone wants to start, everyone wants to play in the games. That's why we are here, and also to give the coach a headache, to make it increasingly difficult for him to make choices.

As for the other question, I want to try to clarify this topic so that perhaps there won't be any more questions about it afterwards. I'll get straight to the point.

I don't think I need to discuss this with my teammates. We all know how to handle our respective situations. What's happening with the Portuguese team now has nothing to do with the players. I think the most important role we can play is to deliver results on the field.

Regarding Ronaldo, I talked to him. What I told him then, I will repeat here now: no matter what happens, Ronaldo will always be the most important symbol of the Portuguese team, the most important symbol of Portuguese football, and undoubtedly the most important symbol of our country. This is because of everything he has done, not only in Portugal but also around the world. I think he undoubtedly has a place of his own, not only among the greatest players in history but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people.

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

I am convinced that the most important thing is that this matter will eventually be resolved properly, with a good outcome for both sides. We are completely uninvolved in this. What we know is what you report and what we see ourselves. To be honest, we spend a lot of time playing cards in the players' lounge instead of watching TV, so we actually have very limited knowledge about the controversies surrounding this matter.

But I want to appeal once again: do not let this country be divided, do not let everyone take sides, everyone should unite, respect and accept all parties. At the same time, as I said, Ronaldo will always be the most important iconic figure of the Portuguese team, Portuguese football, and world football. Whether someone likes him more or less, he deserves the respect of all Portuguese people.

Sport TV reporter: After the last match, Jorge Jesus mentioned that he had a conversation with you at halftime, I remember. He's sitting next to you, and he can correct me if I'm wrong. That conversation was about the influence you should have in the Portuguese team's games, because the position you play is one that Jorge Jesus has repeatedly said is very important in his teams. What exactly did he ask of you? What more do you need to do to achieve the performance Jorge Jesus wants to see?

Jesus: He did it in the second half of that game.

Bruno Fernandes: After being scolded, I did it. I really did it. I know the coach very well, and I have worked with him before. He brought me to the big stage of Portuguese football, so I know what demands to expect when working with him, and I know that sometimes a scolding is needed. Some scoldings are justified, others less so.

However, I think that he makes these demands of me and other players because he believes in our abilities, in what we can achieve as players, and what we can bring to the Portuguese team. I also believe that my first-half performance was not as good as my second-half performance. There are still areas for improvement, even if the second half was better.

What the coach told me at halftime allowed me to 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.

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